Bae Jun-ho

Stoke City On 31 August 2023, Bae joined Stoke City for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. He scored his first goal in English football on 24 February 2024 in a 2–1 defeat against Cardiff City and followed this up a week later in a 2–0 victory against Middlesbrough. In the 2023–24 season, Bae made 40 appearances as Stoke successfully avoided relegation, finishing in 17th position. He was named the club's Player of the Year in his first season at Stoke City. Bae was again a regular in 2025–26 under Mark Robins, making 45 appearances but he came in for criticism for his lack of goals and assists.

International career After representing South Korea at under-19 level in a number of friendlies, Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification. Having scored in two qualifiers against Mongolia and Malaysia, he was called up to the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. Although South Korea failed to win the tournament by being knocked out in the semi-finals by Uzbekistan, Bae was still praised for his performances.

Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He started quietly in the tournament, but South Korea finished fourth under his influence. When he scored one and provided an assist in a 3–2 victory against Ecuador, Ecuadorian manager Miguel Bravo described him as a "Brazilian". Italian manager Carmine Nunziata defeated South Korea in the semi-finals, but he was also attracted to Bae's performance.

On 6 June 2024, Bae scored a goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Singapore, where he made his senior international debut. In May 2026, he was selected for the South Korea squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he was injured by Molik Khan's unsportsmanlike tackle in a 5–0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago on 30 May, and stayed on the bench throughout the tournament.

Style of play An attacking midfielder who is comfortable using both feet, Bae has been regarded for his passing range and dribbling, as well as his balance and stamina.

International

Honours South Korea U23 WAFF U-23 Championship: 2024

Individual K League All-Star: 2023 Stoke City Player of the Year: 2023–24