Bae Jun-ho (; born 21 August 2003) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for club Stoke City and the South Korea national team.
Bae began his professional career with Daejeon Hana Citizen, helping them gain promotion to K League 1 in the 2022 season. After impressing in his debut season in the Korean top flight and for the South Korea U20 team, he moved to European football with English Championship club Stoke City in August 2023.
Club career Daejeon Hana Citizen
Bae started his career in the academy of Daegu FC. Afterwards, he attended Daegu Banyawol Elementary School, Daeryun Middle School, Cheonan Jeil High School and Jinwee High School. While playing for Pyeongtaek Jinwee, the football club of Jinwee High School, he was considered one of his country's best talents. In January 2022, following interest from a number of clubs across Europe, as well as former club Daegu, he signed for K League 2 side Daejeon Hana Citizen. He made eleven appearances in his first season with Daejeon as he helped his team win the promotion play-offs against Gimcheon Sangmu. In the 2023 season, Bae received more playing time in K League 1, as he continued his integration into the squad from the reserve team. On 27 August 2023, Daejeon officially announced that they had reached an agreement with EFL Championship side Stoke City for the transfer of Bae on a permanent deal.
Stoke City On 31 August 2023, Bae joined Stoke City for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. He scored his first goal in English football on 24 February 2024 in a 2–1 defeat against Cardiff City and followed this up a week later in a 2–0 victory against Middlesbrough. In the 2023–24 season, Bae made 40 appearances as Stoke successfully avoided relegation, finishing in 17th position. He was named the club's Player of the Year in his first season at Stoke City. In the 2024–25 season Bae was a regular starter under three different managers, playing 49 times as Stoke avoided relegation on the final day. Bae was again a regular in 2025–26 under Mark Robins, making 45 appearances but he came in for criticism for his lack of goals and assists.
International career After representing South Korea at under-19 level in a number of friendlies, Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification. Having scored in two qualifiers against Mongolia and Malaysia, he was called up to the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. Although South Korea failed to win the tournament by being knocked out in the semi-finals by Uzbekistan, Bae was still praised for his performances.
Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He started quietly in the tournament, but South Korea finished fourth under his influence. When he scored one and provided an assist in a 3–2 victory against Ecuador, Ecuadorian manager Miguel Bravo described him as a "Brazilian". Italian manager Carmine Nunziata defeated South Korea in the semi-finals, but he was also attracted to Bae's performance.
On 6 June 2024, Bae scored a goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Singapore, where he made his senior international debut. In May 2026, he was selected for the South Korea squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he was injured by Molik Khan's unsportsmanlike tackle in a 5–0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago on 30 May, and stayed on the bench throughout the tournament.
Style of play An attacking midfielder who is comfortable using both feet, Bae has been regarded for his passing range and dribbling, as well as his balance and stamina.
Personal life Bae has cited fellow South Korean Hwang In-beom, as well as Kevin De Bruyne, as his biggest footballing role-models.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsDaejeon Hana Citizen B2022K4 League175———175Daejeon Hana Citizen2022K League 28110—201112023K League 117200——172Total25310—20283Stoke City2023–24Championship3821010—4022024–25Championship4532020—4932025–26Championship4222110—4532026–27Championship500010—60Total13075150—1408Career total1721561502018516
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSouth Korea202462202550202620Career total132
Scores and results list South Korea's goal tally first.
+List of international goals scored by Bae Jun-ho No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 6 June 2024 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore 6–0 7–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification2 14 November 2024 Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait 3–1 3–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
Honours South Korea U23 WAFF U-23 Championship: 2024 Asian Games: 2026
Individual K League All-Star: 2023 Stoke City Player of the Year: 2023–24
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