1. Career
Go Jae-hyeon's professional career has seen him develop as a versatile midfielder, with notable periods at Daegu FC and a productive loan spell at Seoul E-Land FC. He has also been a consistent presence in South Korea's youth national teams.
1.1. Club Career
Go Jae-hyeon began his professional club career with Daegu FC, later experiencing a pivotal loan to Seoul E-Land FC before returning to Daegu FC to solidify his role.
1.1.1. Daegu FC (first stint)
Go Jae-hyeon joined Daegu FC ahead of the 2018 season. He made his professional debut in the K League 1 on March 10, 2018, playing against Suwon Samsung Bluewings. During his initial period with the club, he made a total of 12 appearances in the league in 2018, followed by 3 in 2019 and 1 in 2020 before his loan move.
1.1.2. Seoul E-Land FC (loan)
In the summer transfer window of the 2020 season, Go Jae-hyeon was loaned to Seoul E-Land FC in the K League 2 for a six-month period, under the management of Jeong Jeong-yong. He immediately featured prominently, starting in the 8th round match against Bucheon FC 1995 on June 28, showcasing strong performance.
On August 9, in the 14th round match against Jeonnam Dragons, Go Jae-hyeon scored his first professional career goal. This occurred at the start of the second half when he received a cross from Lee Sang-min, chested the ball, and struck a volley from outside the box. He also scored a decisive winning goal in the 22nd round match against Gyeongnam FC, converting a low cross from Leandro. This goal was crucial, helping Seoul E-Land rise to fourth place in the standings, which qualified them for the promotion play-offs. His loan was extended for the 2021 season, where he continued to contribute.
1.1.3. Daegu FC (second stint)
Go Jae-hyeon returned to Daegu FC for the 2022 season following his successful loan period. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal back with the club in the K League 2nd round match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, which helped secure a draw and earned him a spot in the Best XI for that round. In the subsequent 3rd round match against Gimcheon Sangmu FC, he scored again, contributing to Daegu FC's 1-0 victory and their first win of the season.
1.2. International Career
Go Jae-hyeon has proudly represented South Korea at various youth levels, participating in significant international tournaments and qualification campaigns.
1.2.1. Youth National Teams
Go Jae-hyeon was included in the final squad for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He started as a central midfielder in the first group stage match against Portugal. He also started in the semi-final match against Ecuador, demonstrating active play and strong performance throughout the tournament, where South Korea ultimately finished as runner-up. In October 2021, he was called up to the South Korea U-23 national team for the qualification tournament of the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup held in Singapore. In his first match during the qualifiers against the Philippines, he recorded one goal and one assist.
2. Career Statistics
| Club performance | League | National cup | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| South Korea | League | KFA Cup | Asia | Total | ||||||
| 2018 | Daegu FC | K League 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 13 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2020 | Seoul E-Land (loan) | K League 2 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 19 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | 28 | 3 | |||
| 2022 | Daegu FC | K League 1 | 32 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 37 | 14 |
| 2023 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 5 | ||
| Career total | 109 | 22 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 121 | 24 | ||
3. Honours
Go Jae-hyeon has achieved significant team honours during his career, both at the club and international youth levels.
3.1. Club Honours
As a member of Daegu FC, Go Jae-hyeon has contributed to their success in domestic competitions.
3.1.1. Daegu FC
- Korean FA Cup
- 2018
3.2. International Honours
Go Jae-hyeon has played a key role in the achievements of the South Korea national youth teams on the international stage.
3.2.1. South Korea U-20
- FIFA U-20 World Cup
- Runner-up: 2019