South Korean · Seoul, South Korea · Born 12 February 1969South Korean captain and defensive anchor who led his nation to a stunning fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup on home soil.
Hong Myung-bo was born in Seoul, South Korea on 12 February 1969. A commanding, technically accomplished defender with excellent reading of the game and superb sweeping ability, Hong Myung-bo is widely regarded as the finest South Korean outfield player of his generation. He spent the majority of his club career at POSCO Atoms/Pohang Steelers and Kashiwa Reysol before a spell with LA Galaxy in MLS at the end of his career. The pinnacle of his career came as captain of South Korea at the co-hosted 2002 World Cup, where he led his nation to a stunning fourth-place finish — the best ever by an Asian nation — defeating Portugal, Spain and Italy along the way. He was named in the tournament's All-Star Team. He earned 136 caps for South Korea — a record at the time. He was named AFC Player of the Year in 1991, 1992 and 1993, and was the first Asian player to be voted into the All-Time World Cup XI.
Captaining South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals
He captained South Korea to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup — the highest ever finish by an Asian nation — and was included in the All-Star Team and later the All-Time World Cup XI.
Did You Know?How They Played
Composed sweeper with excellent leadership and tactical awareness
Lasting Impact
First Asian player to play in four World Cups and South Korea's greatest defender
Career Honours
- WC 2002 Fourth Place
- AFC Player of the Year 1991, 1992, 1993
- Asian Games Gold Medal 2002
- Asian Cup 2000
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashiwa Reysol | 1997–1999 | 75 | 2 | #20 |
| LA Galaxy | 2002–2004 | 105 | 4 | #20 |
| Pohang Steelers | 1990–1995 | 0 | 2 | #20 |
| Bellmare Hiratsuka | 1995–1997 | 0 | 0 | — |
 South Korea | — | 136 | 8 | — |
South Korean Athletes