Overview

• The 22-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder is training with the Taeguk Warriors in New York for friendlies against the United States and Mexico.
• Castrop, born in Germany to a Korean mother and German father, is the first foreign-born mixed-heritage player selected for South Korea's men's senior team.
• He told reporters he chose Korea because he listened to his heart and said the decision was entirely his own, noting his mother was proud and his father initially shocked.
• Head coach Hong Myung-bo said Castrop must prove his competitiveness and adjust to communication demands, with staff supporting his Korean-language learning.
• It remains unclear whether Castrop will be required to complete South Korea's mandatory military service, an unresolved issue as he begins his international career.