Hong Jeong-ho
A commanding center-back who anchored South Korea's defense on the world stage, bringing tactical steel to the 2014 World Cup.
Born 1989 (age 37)·South Korean footballer·Birthday: August 12·Millennials
Biography
Born in Jeju, Hong Jeong-ho's football journey is a story of defensive mastery forged in the pressure cooker of international competition. He rose through the ranks of the Korean league, his composure and aerial dominance catching the eye of national selectors. His career pinnacle came as a key component of the South Korean backline that reached the 2012 Olympic semifinals and competed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he faced some of the planet's most formidable attackers. While a stint in the German Bundesliga presented a new challenge, his legacy remains tied to his era of national service, providing a reliable and physically imposing presence during a significant period for Korean football. He later returned to the K League, bringing his vast experience to domestic clubs.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hong was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hong Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Hong's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented South Korea at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
- Played a key role in South Korea's run to the semifinals in the 2012 London Olympics men's football tournament.
- Had a professional club career spanning the K League, German Bundesliga, and Chinese Super League.
Did You Know?
He was given the nickname 'The Wall' by fans and media for his defensive style.
He played every minute of South Korea's three matches at the 2014 World Cup.
He scored his first and only Bundesliga goal for FC Augsburg in a 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
“My job is simple: win the first ball and the second ball, every single time.”
