Choi Su-bin

1. Overview

Choi Yong-woo (born October 14, 1988) is a South Korean football player who primarily plays as a forward. Standing at 72 in ^{(184 cm)} and weighing 172 lb ^{(78 kg)}, he was originally known by his birth name, Choi Su-bin, but later changed it to Choi Yong-woo. Throughout his career, he has played for various clubs in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, including Matsumoto Yamaga FC, Mokpo City FC, Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC, and Pohang Steelers. He is noted for his scoring prowess, particularly in the K3 League where he earned multiple individual honors such as MVP and top scorer.

2. Early life and name change

Choi Yong-woo was born on October 14, 1988, in South Korea. He was initially known by his birth name, 최수빈_{Choi Su-bin}^Korean. At an unspecified point in his professional career, he officially changed his name to 최용우_{Choi Yong-woo}^Korean.

3. Club career

Choi Yong-woo's football career spans across various leagues in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, showcasing his development from university football to professional play and significant contributions to different clubs.

3.1. Youth and university career

Choi Yong-woo developed his football skills at the youth level, eventually playing for Inje University from 2007 to 2010.

3.2. Early professional career

His early professional career saw him make his debut in the K League before moving to play in both Thailand and Japan.

3.2.1. Incheon United

Choi Yong-woo entered the professional football scene by joining Incheon United through a draft-free signing ahead of the 2011 season. However, he did not make any appearances for the club during his time there.

3.2.2. Saraburi FC

In August 2011, Choi Yong-woo moved to Thailand to play for Saraburi FC in the Thai Division 1 League. He spent half a season with the Thai club.

3.2.3. Matsumoto Yamaga FC

In 2012, Choi Yong-woo moved to Japan and joined Matsumoto Yamaga FC in the J2 League. He initially participated in training as a trainee alongside Yoon Sung-yeol before officially signing with the club in June 2012. He made his J.League debut on June 24, 2012, in a J2 League match against Tochigi SC at Nagano Prefectural Matsumoto Park General Sports Park Athletics Stadium. On August 12, 2012, he scored his first J.League goal in a match against Kataller Toyama at Toyama Prefectural General Sports Park Athletics Stadium. During his half-season with Matsumoto Yamaga, Choi Yong-woo made 9 appearances and scored 1 goal in the J2 League, and also made 1 appearance in the Emperor's Cup, totaling 10 appearances with 1 goal before his contract expired in January 2013, leading to his departure.

3.3. Later professional career in Korea

After his stint abroad, Choi Yong-woo returned to South Korea, playing in the National League and K3 League before a brief return to K League 1.

3.3.1. Mokpo City FC

In 2013, Choi Yong-woo joined Mokpo City FC in the National League. He scored his first goal for the club on March 30, 2013, in a match against Gangneung City FC. He played for Mokpo City FC from 2013 to 2015, recording 10 appearances and 3 goals during this period.

3.3.2. Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC (first stint)

Choi Yong-woo moved to Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC (Gyeongju KHNP) in 2016. During the 2016 National League season, he was a prolific scorer, contributing 16 goals and 5 assists. His impressive performance led to his selection for the 2016 National League Best XI.

3.3.3. Pocheon Citizen FC

In 2017, Choi Yong-woo moved to the K3 League to play for Pocheon Citizen FC while fulfilling his public service duties.

3.3.4. Gyeongju Citizen FC

Choi Yong-woo joined Gyeongju Citizen FC in 2018. That year, he had an outstanding season, earning both the K3 League MVP award and the top scorer title. His crucial contributions helped lead Gyeongju Citizen FC to clinch the K3 League Advance championship, their first league title in seven years. He later had a second stint with Gyeongju Citizen FC in 2019 after being loaned from Pohang Steelers.

3.3.5. Pohang Steelers

Following the completion of his public service, Choi Yong-woo joined Pohang Steelers of the K League 1 on April 6, 2019. This marked his return to South Korea's top-tier league. However, he was loaned back to Gyeongju Citizen FC in the K3 League during the summer transfer window of 2019.

Club performance			League		Cup		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Japan			League		Emperor's Cup		Total
2012	Matsumoto Yamaga FC	J2 League	9	1	1	0	10	1

In addition to the statistics above, Choi Yong-woo's career includes:

At Mokpo City FC, he recorded 10 appearances and 3 goals from 2013 to 2015.
For Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC in 2016, he scored 16 goals and provided 5 assists in the National League.
While playing for Gyeongju Citizen FC in 2018, he earned the K3 League MVP and top scorer titles for his scoring achievements, though specific appearance and goal counts for that season are not explicitly detailed in tabular form.
Detailed statistics for his time at Incheon United, Saraburi FC, Pocheon Citizen FC, Pohang Steelers, Busan Transportation Corporation FC, and his second stint at Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC are not comprehensively available in the provided sources in a consistent tabular format.

6. Honors and awards

Choi Yong-woo has received several individual accolades and contributed to team successes throughout his career.

6.1. Individual honors

National League Best XI: 2016
K3 League MVP: 2018, 2020
K3 League Top Scorer: 2018, 2020
K3 League Best XI: 2020

6.2. Team honors

K3 League Champion: 2017, 2018