Choi Sung-kuk

2.1. Ulsan Hyundai

Choi Sung-kuk joined Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i on 27 February 2003, signing a contract worth approximately 300.00 M KRW. He quickly adapted to the professional league, scoring seven goals in his debut season and contributing to Ulsan's K League runner-up finish. His performance earned him a nomination for the K League Young Player of the Year award, though he ultimately lost to Jung Jo-gook.

In his second season (2004), his focus was divided due to commitments with the Olympic team, resulting in only one goal in 19 league appearances. After a five-month loan to Kashiwa Reysol in 2005, he returned to Ulsan and played a pivotal role in their K League championship victory that year. In 2006, he emerged as the top goalscorer in the 2006 Korean League Cup. He also delivered a memorable performance in the 2006 AFC Champions League, scoring two goals in Ulsan's dominant 6-0 victory over Al-Shabab, where his offensive play dismantled the opposing defense.

2.2. Kashiwa Reysol (loan)

In 2005, Choi Sung-kuk was loaned for five months to Kashiwa Reysol, a J1 League club in Japan. His move was reportedly at the request of manager Hiroshi Hayano, but he did not perform to expectations during his brief tenure, failing to make a significant impact on the team. After this period, he returned to Ulsan Hyundai.

2.3. Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma

Following the 2006 season, Choi Sung-kuk transferred to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma on 17 January 2007. He contributed to Seongnam's K League runner-up finish in his first year with the club. After the 2007 season, he had a trial with Championship side Sheffield United, but the club decided against signing him.

In a significant individual achievement, Choi participated in the 2008 JOMO Cup, an all-star match between K League and J.League teams. He scored the opening goal and provided an assist, leading the K League all-stars to a 3-1 victory, and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match. In the 2007 AFC Champions League semifinal second leg against Urawa Red Diamonds on 24 October 2007, he scored an equalizer. However, in the ensuing penalty shootout, his attempt was the only one missed by his team, leading to Seongnam's defeat. He later contributed to Seongnam's victory in the 2010 AFC Champions League.

2.4. Gwangju Sangmu (military service)

In December 2008, Choi Sung-kuk began his mandatory military service by enlisting in the military football team, Gwangju Sangmu. He was assigned the jersey number 10. During his time at Gwangju Sangmu, he made 48 appearances and scored 13 goals. It was during this period that his involvement in the later match-fixing scandal began, which he would eventually confess to. He returned to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma after completing his military duty, playing four matches in the 2010 K League season.

2.5. Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Prior to the 2011 season, Choi Sung-kuk moved to Suwon Samsung Bluewings, signing a three-year contract on 10 January 2011. Shortly after joining, he was announced as the new captain for Suwon on 17 January 2011. He made his debut for the club on 5 March 2011 in the opening match of the 2011 K League season against FC Seoul, and scored his first goal against Gangwon FC on 15 April 2011.

However, his brief tenure at Suwon was overshadowed when he was implicated in the K League match-fixing scandal. Initially, he denied any involvement, publicly stating that he would not be in such a position if he were guilty and that he had lived honestly. As the scandal deepened, he eventually admitted his participation, leading to his tentative suspension from the team and being stripped of his captaincy.

3.1. Youth national teams

Choi Sung-kuk's international career began with the South Korea U-17 team while he was still in high school. He participated in the 1998 AFC U-16 Championship, scoring two goals in six appearances.

He was a key player for the South Korea U-23 team, helping them secure a bronze medal at the 2002 Asian Games. In 2002, he also won the 2002 AFC Youth Championship with the South Korea U-20 team. Despite an injury, he played in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, making two appearances and being recognized by FIFA as one of twelve notable players from the tournament. Furthermore, he participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics, where the South Korean team reached the quarter-finals.

3.2. Senior national team

Choi Sung-kuk received his first call-up to the senior national team in March 2003, making his debut in a 0-0 friendly draw against Colombia on 29 March 2003. He scored his first senior international goal on 27 September 2003 in a 1-0 victory over Oman during the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification.

He was part of South Korea's squad for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. In the opening match against Saudi Arabia, he scored a crucial goal. South Korea ultimately finished third in the tournament after defeating Japan in the third-place play-off. Throughout his senior international career, Choi Sung-kuk earned 26 caps and scored 2 goals.

4.1. Involvement and confession

The match-fixing scandal came to light in May 2011, sending shockwaves through the K League. Initially, Choi Sung-kuk vehemently denied his involvement, publicly asserting his innocence during a workshop for K League players aimed at eradicating match-fixing. He stated, "If I had anything to be ashamed of, I wouldn't be here," and emphasized his honesty.

However, as investigations intensified, Choi Sung-kuk eventually confessed his involvement on 28 June 2011. It was revealed that he not only participated in fixed matches during his time at Gwangju Sangmu but also acted as a broker, facilitating match-fixing activities among other players. He admitted to receiving approximately 4.00 M KRW for his role in the scheme. This admission severely damaged his public image and the integrity of the sport.

4.2. K League and FIFA ban

The consequences for Choi Sung-kuk were swift and severe. In August 2011, the K League officially announced his permanent expulsion from all leagues and football activities in South Korea. This ban meant a definitive end to his playing career within his home country.

Despite the K League ban, Choi attempted to continue his career abroad. On 16 January 2012, it was announced that he would join Rabotnički, a club in Macedonia. However, this attempt was short-lived. On 16 March 2012, FIFA, the international governing body of football, imposed a worldwide lifetime ban on Choi Sung-kuk from all football-related activities. This comprehensive ban effectively ended his professional career globally, leading to his contract with Rabotnički being terminated as the Football Federation of Macedonia rejected his registration.

4.3. Legal consequences

Beyond the sporting sanctions, Choi Sung-kuk faced criminal investigation and legal proceedings for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. On 9 February 2012, a South Korean court delivered its verdict: he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with the sentence suspended for two years, and ordered to perform 200 hours of social services. This legal ruling underscored the severity of his actions and their criminal implications.

5.1. Family and personal background

Choi Sung-kuk married Kwak Seon-hye in December 2005, and they welcomed their first son in December 2006. His personal life also saw a brief foray into entertainment in January 2005 when he appeared in a TV commercial for "Pizza Nara Chicken Gongju" (Pizza Kingdom Chicken Princess), which gained attention among football fans. He is also known to be a devout Christian.

5.2. Life after professional football

After being permanently banned from football, Choi Sung-kuk acknowledged the severe economic difficulties his family faced. To cope, he attempted several new careers. In June 2012, he was hired as an office clerk at a hospital in Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, though he later left this position. According to Japanese sources, he also operated a Japanese restaurant in Suwon for a period. In April 2016, he transitioned into sports media, taking on a role as a football commentator for the sports website Spoplay. He also participated in a social baseball team.

In a notable incident in July 2016, a man was sentenced to six years in prison for threatening both Choi Sung-kuk and fellow footballer Kim Dong-hyun. In October 2019, seven years after his professional career ended, Choi gave an interview where he clarified his involvement in the match-fixing, asserting that he did not gain any personal profit from his actions. He also engaged in activities aimed at preventing match-fixing, giving speeches to promote integrity in the sport.

5.3. Other incidents and public perception

Beyond the match-fixing scandal, Choi Sung-kuk faced further public scrutiny due to other incidents. In January 2014, he was caught driving under the influence (DUI) by the police; his blood alcohol content was 0.086%, a level that results in license suspension.

Public perception of Choi Sung-kuk remains largely negative due to the lasting impact of the match-fixing scandal. In July 2016, he publicly expressed a desire for reinstatement to professional football, coinciding with the end of his original K League ban period. However, both the K League and the KFA reiterated their stance that the permanent ban would remain in effect, denying his request. Most recently, on 28 March 2023, the KFA initially announced an amnesty for 100 football figures, including Choi Sung-kuk, which would have allowed him to return to football activities. However, this decision was met with immediate and widespread public outcry from football fans and the general public, leading the KFA to swiftly withdraw the amnesty just days later. This incident highlighted the enduring public condemnation of his actions and the strong desire to maintain the integrity of the sport.

7.1. Club statistics

7.2. International statistics

Results list South Korea's goal tally first.

8.1. Positive assessment and achievements

Before the scandal, Choi Sung-kuk was widely regarded as one of South Korea's most promising football talents. His nickname 'Little Maradona' was a testament to his exceptional dribbling skills, agility, and overall offensive capabilities. He consistently demonstrated his ability to break down defenses and score crucial goals for both his clubs and the national youth teams. His achievements, including a K League title with Ulsan Hyundai, an AFC Champions League title with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, and a bronze medal at the Asian Games with the U-23 national team, highlighted his significant contributions on the field. Individual accolades such as the JOMO Cup MVP and top goalscorer awards in domestic cup competitions further underscored his talent and impact. These accomplishments painted a picture of a player who, on talent alone, was destined for a celebrated career.

8.2. Criticism and controversy

However, Choi Sung-kuk's career, and by extension his public image, is overwhelmingly defined by his central role in the 2011 K League match-fixing scandal. His initial denial, followed by a public confession and the revelation of his role as a broker, severely eroded public trust and stained his reputation. The permanent bans imposed by the K League and FIFA were unprecedented and sent a clear message about the severity of such offenses. This breach of integrity not only ended his career but also cast a shadow over South Korean football, necessitating extensive efforts to restore public confidence in the sport.

Subsequent incidents, such as his conviction for driving under the influence and the public outcry that led to the withdrawal of his amnesty by the KFA, further solidified a negative public perception. Despite his later attempts to explain his actions and engage in anti-match-fixing advocacy, the damage to his legacy appears irreparable. Choi Sung-kuk remains a cautionary tale in South Korean sports, symbolizing the catastrophic consequences of corruption and the importance of ethical conduct in professional athletics. His career serves as a stark reminder of how a single egregious act can overshadow a lifetime of achievement and forever alter one's place in history.