Yoo-Jin Ko

Ko Yoo-jin (, born 24 January 1997) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a defender for WK League club Incheon Hyundai and the South Korea national team.

Youth career Ko was inspired to play football by her father's love of the sport and enrolled in the girls' football academy at Shimwon Elementary School to start playing more seriously. She progressed to the U15 academy at Oju Middle School, then the U18 team at Hyundai High School, where she was team captain in her final year.

Ko initially played as a forward, but after changing position to become a defender, during her time at university she received accolades such as tournament MVP and second-highest goalscorer.

Club career Ko was the first player selected at the 2020 WK League new players draft, signing a three-year contract with Hwacheon KSPO. She transferred to Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels ahead of the 2023 season.

International career Ko was first called up to South Korea's senior side in 2022. However, she did not make any appearances and was subsequently absent from the squad until 2025, when she was selected by new manager Shin Sang-woo and made her full international debut in a friendly match against Australia. Following her debut, she became a fixture in Shin's squad, making five further appearances in the same year before leading South Korea as captain upon her major tournament debut at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Ko scored her debut international goal in South Korea's first match of the tournament in a 3–0 victory against Iran.

Career statistics International

Scores and results list South Korea's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Yoo-jin goal.

Honours Ulsan Hyundai High School (previously Hyundai Technical High School)

National Women's Football Championship U18 winners: 2015 National Sports Festival U18 winners: 2013, 2014 Fall Women's Football Championship U18 winners: 2013, 2014

Korea University

Spring Women's Football Championship University winners: 2019 Queen's Cup University winners: 2019

Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WK League winners: 2023

South Korea

EAFF E-1 Football Championship winners: 2025