Bae Jun-ho recorded assists in two consecutive games against Jordan and Iraq last month
“I need to learn a lot about my technical shortcomings and show my energetic side.”
Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), a promising player for the national soccer team, expressed his determination to help the team by helping returning captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur).
The national soccer team led by coach Hong Myung-bo will play an away match against Kuwait in the 5th round of Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round at the Jaber Al Ahmed International Stadium in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, at 11 p.m. (Korean time) on the 14th. Take the .
Currently, Korea (10 points, 3 wins, 1 draw) is in 1st place, and Kuwait (3 points, 3 draws, 1 loss) is in 5th place.
Bae Jun-ho recorded assists in two consecutive games in the 3rd game against Jordan and the 4th game against Iraq last month, filling the void left by Son Heung-min, who left due to injury.
Bae Jun-ho said, “I had more playing time than I expected during the last call-up, and I was very happy to be able to show a good performance,” and added, “(Son) Heung-min is in this call-up. “And I want to be of great help to my older brothers, including (Kim) Minjae.”
Bae Jun-ho returned to England after the international match in October and showed further growth.
He recorded assists in the 13th round of the English Professional Football Championship (Second Division) against Derby County on the 2nd and in the 15th round against Millwall on the 9th, accumulating his 4th and 5th attack points this season.
When asked if being called up to the national soccer team was related to the team’s performance, Bae Jun-ho answered, “There are a lot of older players playing in high-level leagues, so there are a lot of things to watch and learn from.”
Now, Bae Jun-ho is receiving great expectations as a rookie who will take charge of the next-generation national soccer team.
Bae Jun-ho said about Kuwait, the battle site, “First of all, I think the weather is not as hot as I thought and is very good for soccer. “The grass is not in the best condition, but I think we will have to adapt well because we can’t always play in the best condition,” he said, strengthening his resolve.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Soccer Analyst
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned soccer analyst, Dr. Min Soo Park, to delve into the impressive performance of Bae Jun-ho and the South Korean national team as they prepare for their critical match against Kuwait.
Dr. Park: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for South Korean soccer.
Editor: Absolutely! Bae Jun-ho has been in remarkable form lately, recording assists in two consecutive matches against Jordan and Iraq. What do you think contributed to his recent success?
Dr. Park: Bae’s success can be attributed to a combination of talent and the increased playing time he received during the last international window. With Son Heung-min absent due to injury, Bae stepped up and filled that void impressively. His ability to deliver crucial assists shows he has the vision and skill needed to perform at a high level.
Editor: It sounds like he’s really stepping into his role. Bae expressed the desire to learn from older teammates in high-level leagues, especially now that Son is back. How important is this mentorship for young players like him?
Dr. Park: Mentorship is crucial in any sport, particularly in soccer. Young players benefit immensely from the experience of veterans who have navigated the pressures of high-stakes games. Bae is smart to leverage this opportunity to learn from players like Son and Kim Min-jae—these interactions can accelerate his development both tactically and mentally.
Editor: As they gear up for the match against Kuwait, there are high expectations for the team. They currently sit at the top of Group B. How do you see their chances in this upcoming game?
Dr. Park: Given South Korea’s current form, I’d say they are in a strong position. Kuwait, while always competitive, is struggling in the standings. The challenge will be for Korea to maintain their focus and capitalize on their strong attacking capabilities. Additionally, adapting to the local conditions, as Bae pointed out about the weather and pitch, will also play a crucial role.
Editor: Bae noted that the weather was better for soccer than he expected. How might these environmental factors affect the performance of the players during the game?
Dr. Park: Environmental factors can often influence players’ stamina and performance. A pleasant climate without extreme heat is certainly beneficial, as it allows players to exert themselves fully without risking fatigue from overheating. The condition of the pitch, however, can affect how the ball moves and how players control it—if it’s not up to standard, they’ll need to adapt quickly.
Editor: That’s a great insight! As we look to the future, Bae Jun-ho is seen as a key player for the next generation of the national team. What does this mean for the evolution of Korean soccer?
Dr. Park: It signals a positive transition. Having young talents like Bae ready to take the reins is essential for the sustainability of the national team’s success. It shows that there is depth in the player pool and that the youth development programs are working effectively. If he and others can consistently perform at this level, Korea could establish a competitive advantage on the Asian stage.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Park, for your valuable insights today. It will be exciting to see how Bae Jun-ho and the Korean national team perform in their upcoming match.
Dr. Park: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a fantastic game as they continue their journey towards the World Cup.