He is born as a third-generation Zainichi Korean. He is originally a South Korean following his grandparents and father's nationality, and also plays as a North Korean after getting a North Korea passport. Although, by law, only his South Korea nationality is admitted because South Korea doesn't admit North Korea as a nation, international soccer world which admit a player's nationality based on the possession of passports regards him having dual nationality.

In North Korea, his romanization name is Jong Tae-se (정대세). In South Korea and Japan, his romanization name is Chong Te-se or Chong Tese.

Chong Tese is the brother of Chong Yi-se.

Chong Tese is the brother of I-se Chung (Nagoya SC).