Cho Jin-ho (August 2, 1973 – October 10, 2017) was a South Korean professional footballer and coach. Born in Daegu, he enjoyed a long domestic career as an attacking midfielder and striker and earned selections to the South Korea national team. After retiring as a player he moved into coaching and managed multiple clubs in the country’s professional leagues.
Playing career and style
Cho was known for a versatile attacking role, operating either behind the striker or as a forward when required. He combined positional awareness with an ability to contribute both in build-up play and goal-scoring opportunities. Cho spent the entirety of his professional playing career in South Korea’s top divisions and was capped by the national side, representing his country at senior level.
- Pohang Steelers — one of the domestic clubs he played for
- Seongnam — another principal club in his playing years
- National team appearances: represented South Korea at senior international level
Coaching and management
Following his retirement from playing, Cho transitioned into management and coaching. He took charge of teams at the professional level and was active in player development and team tactics. His appointments included stints at clubs that compete in the K League, where he worked to stabilize squads and mentor younger players coming through the league system.
- Daejeon Citizen — served as head coach and was involved in first-team management
- Sangju Sangmu — managed the military-affiliated side, which fields players completing mandatory service
- Busan IPark — later managerial role with a historic K League club
Cho’s coaching philosophy emphasized team organization and a pragmatic approach tailored to the players available. He was respected for his experience as a former professional and for helping younger squad members adapt to the demands of top-level football.
Legacy and death
Cho Jin-ho’s life in football spanned playing, national representation, and management. He remained associated with the Korean football community until his untimely death on October 10, 2017. Cho passed away in Busan from a sudden heart attack at the age of 44. His death was widely reported within South Korea and prompted tributes from former clubs and colleagues.
For more on Cho’s career and the clubs he served, see individual club histories and profiles of the South Korean national team. Additional resources and archived profiles may provide match records, statistics, and season-by-season details for readers seeking in-depth data about his playing and coaching chronology. National team records and club archives such as Pohang and Seongnam are useful starting points.