Jong Tae-Se Profile

Jong Tae-Se is one of the emerging stars of North Korean football. The striker is one of the most prolific scorers for his national team, and earned widespread acclaim for his performances at the East Asian Football Championship in 2008.

Playing Position: Striker
Club: Kawasaki Frontale
Jersey Number: 9

Jong Tae-Se Bio

Jong Tae-Se was born in Nagoya, Japan on the 2nd of March 1984 to parents of South Korean extraction. During his youth Jong played school-level football, and later played for his university side, Japan’s Korea University, for three seasons.

Jong Tae-Se Career

Jong Tae-Se’s performances at Korea University were good enough to secure him an invitation to join J League club, Kawasaki Frontale. The young striker was an instant hit in Japan, with his prolific scoring rate earning him a regular starting position for the J League team.

Jong’s achievements at club level were almost overshadowed by a tussle that developed for the player’s services between the Korean, North Korean and Japanese national football teams, any one of which had the right to field the young striker.

Jong’s allegiances lay firmly with North Korea, which had helped fund some of his university studies, and in 2007 the striker effectively denounced his South Korean citizenship by making his debut for North Korea in qualifying for the East Asian Football Championship, scoring eight goals in two matches.

Since making his debut, Jong has established himself as one of the stars of the North Korean football team. He appeared in most of North Korea’s qualifying games for the 2010 Football World Cup, scoring one goals.

Jong Tae-Se Playing Style

While playing for the North Korean football team, Jong Tae-Se has unusual strength and physicality for an Asian player. The compact striker has the ability to hold the ball up on attack, and to fend off physical challenges from larger defenders. He also has deft ball control skills, and is strong in 1-on-1 situations.