1. Life
Han Hong-ki's life was deeply intertwined with the development of football in Korea, spanning from his early days in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula to a multifaceted career in the South.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Han Hong-ki was born in 1925 in Daedong County, Pyeongannam-do, which is now part of North Korea. He completed his education at Soonan Middle School in 1945. Following the division of the Korean Peninsula, Han Hong-ki moved to South Korea in 1947, driven by his aspiration to pursue a career as a professional football player.
1.2. Playing Career
Upon his arrival in South Korea, Han Hong-ki began his professional playing career. From 1947 to 1957, he played for both Sangho Bank Football Club and the Army Intelligence Unit Football Club. Later, in 1958, he transferred to Daehan Tungsten Football Club, where he continued to play until he concluded his active playing career in 1965.
2. Career and Achievements
Han Hong-ki's career in football was exceptionally diverse, encompassing roles as a manager, administrator, and even a media entrepreneur, through which he achieved significant milestones and contributed to the sport's growth.
2.1. Managerial Career
Han Hong-ki embarked on his coaching journey in 1966, taking on the managerial role at Daehan Tungsten Football Club, where he had previously played. He coached Daehan Tungsten until 1969, honing his skills as a leader and strategist.
In 1970, he was appointed manager of the South Korea national team, specifically the "Cheongryong team" (Blue Dragon team). This period marked a golden age for Korean football under his guidance. In the same year, he led the national team to a historic gold medal victory at the 1970 Asian Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. This achievement was a significant moment for the nation and firmly established his reputation as a top-tier coach.
Beyond the Asian Games, Han Hong-ki's South Korea national team also triumphed in multiple other international tournaments in 1970, winning the Asia Cup, the Merdeka Tournament, and the King's Cup. His remarkable successes in 1970 earned him the Republic of Korea Sports Award for Coach in April 1971, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions.
Following his tenure with the national team, Han Hong-ki took over as manager of the Pohang Steel Football Club in 1972. He managed the team for a substantial period, until 1984. During his time at Pohang Steel, he oversaw 44 matches, securing 16 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses. His leadership helped establish the foundation for what would become one of South Korea's premier football clubs.
2.2. Administrative and Business Career
Han Hong-ki's influence extended far beyond the touchline into the administrative echelons of Korean football. His administrative career began in 1969 when he was inducted into the Board of Directors of the Korea Football Association (KFA). He continued to rise through the ranks within the KFA, becoming an auditor in 1975 and eventually being appointed as a vice-president in 1985. His roles within the KFA involved significant responsibilities in national and international football affairs. Notably, he was appointed to the Technical Committee for the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina and served as the head of the delegation for the South Korean national team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Even after stepping down as the manager of Pohang Steel Football Club in 1984, Han Hong-ki remained an integral part of the club's management. He held various senior administrative positions, including vice-president, general manager, and advisor, continuing to contribute to the club's strategic direction until 1993.
In 1993, after concluding his extensive career in club management, Han Hong-ki ventured into football media. He founded `월간축구Wolgan ChukguKorean` (which later became Best Eleven), a monthly football magazine, and served as its publisher and president. This initiative further highlighted his dedication to promoting football culture and knowledge among the public. In 1995, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the sport's global landscape, he received a player management license from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
3. Death
Han Hong-ki passed away on July 7, 1996, at the age of 71, in Bundang CHA Hospital located in Seongnam, South Korea. His death marked the end of a long and impactful career dedicated to Korean football.
4. Legacy and Assessment
Han Hong-ki is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of South Korean football, leaving an enduring legacy through his multifaceted contributions as a player, manager, administrator, and media pioneer. His career spanned several critical decades in the sport's development, and he played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for its modern professional era.
4.1. Honours
Han Hong-ki received numerous honours throughout his career, recognizing his significant achievements in football.
Managerial
- South Korea National Football Team
- Asia Cup: 1970
- Asian Games: Gold Medal, 1970
- Merdeka Tournament: 1970
- King's Cup: 1970
Individual
- Republic of Korea Sports Award for Coach: 1971
4.2. Impact on Korean Football
Han Hong-ki's impact on Korean football was profound and far-reaching. As a manager, his most celebrated achievement was leading the South Korea national team to a gold medal at the 1970 Asian Games, which significantly boosted the nation's morale and interest in football. This success, coupled with victories in other major international tournaments in the same year, helped elevate the standing of Korean football on the Asian stage and instilled a new sense of pride and capability within the sport.
His long tenure as a club manager, particularly with Pohang Steel FC, was instrumental in professionalizing club football in South Korea. He contributed to the establishment of stable club operations and a professional coaching environment, which served as a model for other teams.
Beyond the field, Han Hong-ki's extensive involvement in the Korea Football Association played a vital role in shaping the administrative framework of Korean football. His ascent to the position of vice-president and participation in international committees underscored his dedication to organizational development and global integration. He contributed to policy-making and strategic planning, ensuring that Korean football adhered to international standards and had a strong voice in global football governance. Furthermore, his initiative to launch a dedicated football magazine demonstrated a visionary approach to media and public engagement, fostering a deeper connection between the sport and its audience, which was crucial for its popularization and growth. Han Hong-ki's career embodied a comprehensive commitment to football, from grassroots playing to elite management and strategic administration, making him a true pioneer in the development of South Korean football.