New york: Born in Germany to a Korean mother and a German father, midfielder Jens Castrop has chosen to represent South Korea at the international level, a decision guided by his heart. Castrop, who previously played for Germany's youth teams from under-16 to under-21, announced his allegiance switch in August and earned his first selection for the South Korean senior national team later that month. This move made him the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to be selected for South Korea's men's football squad.
According to Yonhap News Agency, while preparing for friendly matches against the United States and Mexico, Castrop shared with South Korean reporters in New York that his decision was entirely personal. "It was a very tough decision. And I think, with this kind of decision in your life, you have to listen to your heart," he said at a training session at Icahn Stadium. "And my heart said I want to play for Korea, and that's why I'm very proud that I'm here now."
Castrop mentioned that his Korean-born mother was proud of his choice but did not influence his decision. His father, on the other hand, was initially shocked by the decision, which Castrop emphasized was made independently. "I think they are all very proud and happy as long as I am here," he added.
During his time with the South Korean team, Castrop has bonded with fellow 22-year-old teammates Jeong Sang-bin and Lee Tae-seok, who speak English. "We are young players, and we're just making jokes, having a good time in New York," Castrop remarked with a laugh. The team also includes veterans with Bundesliga experience, such as captain Son Heung-min, defender Kim Min-jae, and midfielder Lee Jae-sung.