1. FC Union Berlin have secured the services of attacking midfielder Wooyeong Jeong on loan. Born in South Korea, he joins the club from VfB Stuttgart.

From South Korea to the youth ranks of the German record champions

In 2010, Jeong joined Incheon United FC, his first official club, where by 2015 he had established himself in the K League Junior, the youth league of South Korean professional clubs. His performances in the first half of the 2017 season were outstanding, when he scored seven goals, and as a result, the midfielder attracted the attention of various European clubs, moving to FC Bayern München in January 2018. In the remainder of the 2017/18 season, Wooyeong gained experience in both the U-19 Bundesliga and the UEFA Youth League.

In the 2018/19 season, Wooyeong was promoted to FC Bayern's amateur team and played a key role in the team's promotion from the Regionalliga Bayern to the 3. Liga, scoring 13 goals in the process. He made his debut for the first team on 27 November 2018 under coach Niko Kovač in the penultimate group match of the UEFA Champions League against Benfica, coming on as a substitute for Thomas Müller in the 81st minute.

The right-footer moved to SC Freiburg for the 2019/20 season. Under coach Christian Streich, however, he only featured in the Regionalliga Südwest, where he scored twice in six matches. Jeong missed the winter preparations due to his participation in the 2020 Asian U-23’s Championship. He did not return to Freiburg after the tournament but was sent back out on loan to FC Bayern until the end of the season. There he played 15 games, scoring one goal and setting up numerous more. He won the 3rd division championship with the team before leaving Munich for the 2020/21 season.

Back at SCF, he made a total of 99 appearances for Freiburg in the following three seasons before joining VfB Stuttgart last summer where Jeong appeared in 29 matches, scoring five goals as the club finished runners-up. The 24-year-old Jeong has made 111 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 12 goals with a further seven assists.

Facts about Wooyeong Jeong

• As top scorer, Jeong led the South Korean team to the gold medal at the Asian Games in autumn 2023 with eight goals
• He has only been playing football for just over a decade, having previously practised taekwondo as a child
• At 19, he is also the youngest South Korean to have played in a UEFA Champions League match

Views on the loan

“I'm really looking forward to the challenge at 1. FC Union Berlin,” said a delighted Jeong on the signing of his loan. “This club has developed very well in recent years and plays a committed brand of football that suits me very well. Union is a great opportunity for me to continue my development in the Bundesliga. The passion of the fans and the atmosphere in the stadium have always impressed me. I am convinced that this is the right move for me, and I can't wait to make my contribution to the team's success.”

‘We are delighted to welcome Wooyeong Jeong to 1. FC Union Berlin,” said Union’s director of men’s professional football, Horst Heldt on the deal. “His versatility and quality as a player were decisive factors in this signing. He not only brings technical ability, but also the right attitude and a great willingness to fit into any system. Jeong will add drive to our attacking play. His experience and his positive charisma will enrich our team.”