1. Early life
Jeong Woo-geun's early life and education laid the groundwork for his professional football career, including a significant period of study abroad in Brazil.
1.1. Birth and background
Jeong Woo-geun was born on March 1, 1991, in Daejeon, South Korea. Details about his family background during his early childhood are not specified in the available information.
1.2. Youth career and education
Jeong Woo-geun attended Daejeon Munhwa Elementary School, Dongshin Middle School, and then enrolled in the football program at Chungnam Mechanical Technical High School. During his first year of high school, he embarked on a significant football education journey, leaving South Korea to study and train in Brazil. This period of football development in Brazil was formative before he began his professional career in Thailand.
2. Club career
Jeong Woo-geun's professional club career has primarily unfolded in the Thai League, marked by consistent goal-scoring and several transfers across different clubs, alongside a period in South Korea for military service.
2.1. Initial spell in Thailand
Jeong Woo-geun commenced his professional career in the Thai League in 2012. He initially joined Rajpracha, where he made 19 appearances and scored 8 goals in his debut year. In 2013, he moved to Royal Thai Navy, playing 26 matches and scoring 10 goals. His most prolific period during this initial spell came with Nakhon Pathom United, where he played for two seasons from 2014 to 2015, making 64 appearances and netting an impressive 36 goals. In January 2016, he transferred from Nakhon Pathom United to BBCU, playing 28 games and scoring 11 goals. The following year, in 2017, he signed with PTT Rayong, contributing 12 goals in 24 appearances.
2.2. Return to South Korea and military service
After his successful stint in the Thai League, Jeong Woo-geun returned to South Korea in January 2018, joining Suwon FC ahead of the 2018 season. During his time with Suwon FC, he made 14 appearances and scored 2 goals. In early 2019, he began his mandatory military service as a social worker, a period that lasted for six months.
2.3. Subsequent career in Thailand
Following the completion of his military service in South Korea, Jeong Woo-geun returned to Thailand. He joined Ayutthaya United in the Thai League 2 during the latter half of 2019, where he played 17 matches and scored 8 goals. In 2020, he moved to Chiangmai United, remaining with the club through 2021, accumulating 29 appearances and scoring 13 goals.
His career continued in Thailand with a move to Sukhothai for the 2021-2022 season, playing 33 games and scoring 10 goals. From 2022 to 2023, he played for Police Tero, where he featured in 34 matches and scored 17 goals. As of 2023, he is a key player for PT Prachuap, wearing squad number 99, having made 19 appearances and scored 8 goals for the club.
A summary of his club career statistics is provided below:
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajpracha | 2012 | 19 | 8 |
| Royal Thai Navy | 2013 | 26 | 10 |
| Nakhon Pathom United | 2014-2015 | 64 | 36 |
| BBCU | 2016 | 28 | 11 |
| PTT Rayong | 2017 | 24 | 12 |
| Suwon FC | 2018 | 14 | 2 |
| Ayutthaya United | 2019 | 17 | 8 |
| Chiangmai United | 2020-2021 | 29 | 13 |
| Sukhothai | 2021-2022 | 33 | 10 |
| Police Tero | 2022-2023 | 34 | 17 |
| PT Prachuap | 2023- | 19 | 8 |
3. Playing style
Jeong Woo-geun primarily plays as a forward, often deployed as a central striker. Standing at 5.7 ft (1.75 m), he is noted for his physical strength and robust build, which allows him to effectively compete against defenders. This physical prowess is a characteristic often highlighted among South Korean footballers, who are frequently described as "big and strong" compared to many other Asian players. His tactical role typically involves leading the attack, holding up the ball, and converting scoring opportunities. His consistent goal-scoring record across various Thai clubs underscores his effectiveness in front of goal.
4. Evaluation
Jeong Woo-geun has established himself as a reliable and effective striker, particularly in the Thai football scene.
4.1. Positive assessments
Throughout his career, Jeong Woo-geun has demonstrated a consistent ability to find the back of the net, particularly during his multiple spells in the Thai League. His impressive goal-to-game ratio at clubs like Nakhon Pathom United, where he scored 36 goals in 64 appearances, and Police Tero, with 17 goals in 34 games, highlights his offensive impact. His durability and ability to adapt to different teams and leagues, including his brief return to South Korea, showcase his professionalism and resilience. His contributions have often been crucial for his teams' attacking prowess, providing a focal point in their offensive strategies.
4.2. Criticisms and controversies
There are no major criticisms or controversies related to Jeong Woo-geun's professional career or conduct reported in the available sources.
5. Honours
No significant individual or team honours have been specifically listed for Jeong Woo-geun in the provided sources.