Bae Jun-ho, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder for Stoke City, earned the fan-selected Player of the Season accolade after a stellar performance in the 2023-24 campaign. Despite being relatively unknown upon his arrival from Daejeon Hana Citizen, Bae quickly became a standout player for Stoke, tallying two goals and six assists in his debut season. His impressive contributions earned him praise from both fans and Stoke boss Steven Schumacher.
Bae’s journey from K League 2 to becoming a key figure at Stoke City began with his standout performances for South Korea in the 2023 U-20 World Cup, where he caught the eye of Stoke’s recruitment team. Despite initially playing as a substitute, Bae’s impact on the pitch quickly became evident, with his first goal for Stoke earning him praise from Schumacher.
Despite his relatively modest statistics, Bae’s influence as a playmaker in Stoke’s midfield has been widely recognized, earning him the nickname “South Korean King” among fans. Adjusting to life in England, Bae has found confidence in the support of his teammates and fans, embracing the atmosphere and enjoying his time in the UK.
Looking ahead, Bae remains committed to Stoke City, with his contract running until 2027. As the only Korean player in the Championship, Bae reflects on his debut season with gratitude towards the fans and teammates who supported him. Following Stoke’s final match of the season, Bae returned to Korea, ready to build on his success in the seasons to come.