[News Figures] Who is Jo Gyuseong with 'Multi Goals' and 'Elegant Appearance'?

Ghana Match Star Performance Gains International Attention
SNS Followers Surge from 20,000 to 1.5 Million

On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the Group H second match between South Korea and Ghana was held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. South Korea's Cho Gue-sung is celebrating after scoring the equalizing goal.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] In South Korea's second match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup against Ghana, forward Jo Gyu-seong (Jeonbuk), who scored two consecutive goals, has attracted attention not only from domestic and international fans but also from European clubs. Jo Gyu-seong, who made his World Cup debut in the first match against Uruguay, quickly rose as a 'World Cup star' due to his passionate play and striking appearance.

Korea concedes 2 goals in the first half, Jo Gyu-seong's dramatic equalizing header

On the 28th (local time) at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Jo Gyu-seong scored two goals in the second half of the Group H second match between Korea and Ghana. It was a dramatic score that brought the match back to even after conceding two goals to Ghana in the first half. This is the first time in South Korea's World Cup history that a player has scored multiple goals (2 goals in one match).

Korea dominated the game flow with high ball possession in the first half but ultimately failed to score. Ghana pressured Korea with their characteristic fast passes and converted both of their only two shots into goals. Korea ended the first half having conceded two goals and desperately needed goals in the second half to turn the game around.

In this situation, Jo Gyu-seong, who was substituted in at the 13th minute of the second half, finished a cross from Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) on the left flank with a header to reduce the deficit by one goal. Three minutes later, he scored again by putting Kim Jin-su's (Jeonbuk) cross into the net with a diving header. Although Korea conceded an additional goal to Ghana player Mohammed Kudus at the 23rd minute of the second half and ultimately lost 2-3, Jo Gyu-seong's sharp heading shots created a comeback that excited football fans watching the match.

Jo Gyu-seong, who made his World Cup debut against Uruguay on the 24th, played just over 20 minutes after being substituted in the second half, but his tall stature (189cm) and handsome appearance attracted attention and became a hot topic. Before the World Cup, Jo Gyu-seong had about 20,000 Instagram followers, but after the Ghana match, his followers exceeded 1.5 million.

On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the Group H second match between South Korea and Ghana was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. Cho Gue-sung, who scored the equalizing goal, is celebrating with his teammates.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

From defensive midfielder to forward... 'A player skilled in both offense and defense'

Born in 1998, Jo Gyu-seong is from Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. He started playing football in elementary school and honed his skills as a member of his middle and high school football teams. In 2019, he made his professional debut with FC Anyang in K League 2 (second division). One year later, he transferred to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, the strongest club in K League 1. In 2021, he enlisted in Gimcheon Sangmu FC for military service and returned to the team after his discharge in September this year. In 2022, he became the top scorer in K League 1 with 17 goals (5 assists).

Jo Gyu-seong is evaluated as a player proficient in both offense and defense. Originally a defensive midfielder, he changed his position to a forward during his university years. Utilizing his experience as a defender and his natural physical advantages, he possesses strength that does not lose in physical battles, and his combination play and high work rate are also considered strengths. He excels in controlling aerial balls in the front using his height, and demonstrated outstanding goal-scoring ability in the recent match against Ghana.

Due to his performance in this World Cup, it has been reported that European leagues are already showing interest in signing Jo Gyu-seong. Lee Young-pyo, vice president of the Korea Football Association, said in an interview with CBS Radio on the 29th, "A European club contacted us regarding scouting Jo Gyu-seong," adding, "Although K League fans may know him well, others might not, but he is already a recognized player within the K League and is receiving considerable attention in Europe as well."