1. Overview
Hong Deok-young (홍덕영Hong Deok-yeongKorean; 5 May 1926 - 13 September 2005) was a revered South Korean football player, manager, and referee. He stands as a foundational figure in Korean football history, being among the pioneering generation of South Koreans to represent their country at the international level. His career spanned significant milestones, including South Korea's first overseas football expedition, their debut at the Summer Olympics in 1948, and the historic first qualification for the FIFA World Cup in 1954. After retiring from playing, Hong continued to contribute immensely to the sport, serving as an international referee and a manager for both university and club teams, and even for the national team. His later career also included significant administrative roles within the Korea Football Association (KFA) and as a member of the organizing committee for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he played a part in Korea's celebrated semi-final run. His life concluded after a battle with diabetes complications that led to vision loss.
2. Early Life and Education
Hong Deok-young was born on 5 May 1926, in Hamhung, Hamgyongnam-do, which was then part of Korea under Japanese rule. He completed his secondary education at Hamhung High School. For his higher education, Hong attended Korea University (then known as Bosung College), graduating in 1950. During his time at Bosung College, he initially played as a defender for the university's football team. However, with the establishment of the Korea Football Association's national team in 1946, he transitioned to the position of goalkeeper, a role he would become most recognized for. He stood at a height of 5.8 ft (1.76 m).
3. Playing Career
Hong Deok-young's playing career was marked by his dedication as a goalkeeper and his participation in several landmark events for South Korean football, both at the club and international levels.
3.1. Club Career
In 1947, Hong Deok-young played for Kyungsung FC, which was also known as Seoul FC. This team served as a temporary national team before the official establishment of the South Korea national football team. In April 1947, this team traveled to Shanghai, where they played five matches against local amateur football teams, in which Hong participated. Following his time with Kyungsung FC, Hong joined Joseon Textile FC, remaining with the club until 1955. During his tenure with Joseon Textile, the team notably finished as runner-up in the Korean President's Cup National Football Tournament for three consecutive years, from 1952 to 1954.
3.2. International Career
Hong Deok-young was a prominent figure in the early years of the South Korea national football team, making 17 appearances as a goalkeeper between 1948 and 1954. His international career was highlighted by his participation in the 1948 Summer Olympics, the 1954 FIFA World Cup, and the 1954 Asian Games, marking pivotal moments for Korean football on the global stage.
3.2.1. 1948 Summer Olympics
Hong Deok-young participated in the Football at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, which marked South Korea's inaugural international football tournament. In their first match, South Korea achieved a significant 5-3 victory over Mexico, with Hong as goalkeeper, advancing to the quarterfinals. However, in the quarter-finals, South Korea faced Sweden, who were the eventual champions of the tournament. The match resulted in a 12-0 defeat for South Korea, which remains the largest margin of defeat in the national team's history. During this challenging game, Hong faced 48 shots from the Swedish team and sustained a chest injury after the match due to the intense pressure.
3.2.2. 1954 FIFA World Cup
Hong Deok-young was a crucial member of the South Korea national team that made history by qualifying for the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, the country's first-ever appearance at the tournament. South Korea secured their spot by defeating Japan in the qualification round. Hong vividly recalled the qualifying match against Japan in Tokyo on 7 March 1954, describing it as the most impressive game of his career. He stated that he would "never forget that touching memory even after I die, hearing the national anthem and seeing the Taegeukgi fluttering for the first time on Japanese soil."
Despite this historic qualification, South Korea's World Cup experience was challenging. The team faced significant logistical difficulties, including receiving their airline tickets late, which resulted in their arrival in Switzerland merely ten hours before their first match. In their opening game, they faced the formidable "Magical Magyars" of Hungary, suffering a 9-0 defeat. The Korean players were in their worst condition, having endured a 46-hour airplane journey, and four players had to leave the field due to exhaustion during the match. As substitutions were not permitted in football at the time, South Korea finished the game with only seven players.
Concerned about player stamina, manager Kim Yong-sik made seven changes to the lineup for their second match. However, South Korea subsequently lost 7-0 to Turkey, another first-time World Cup participant. Hong Deok-young played in both matches, conceding a total of 16 goals, which set a record for the most goals conceded by a goalkeeper in a single World Cup tournament. He later recounted being terrified by the powerful shots of Ferenc Puskás during the match against Hungary, acknowledging the high standard of world football.
3.2.3. 1954 Asian Games
In addition to the World Cup, Hong Deok-young participated in the Football at the 1954 Asian Games held in Manila, the Philippines. His contributions helped the South Korea national team secure a silver medal in the football competition. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked South Korea's first-ever football medal at the Asian Games, further cementing Hong's pioneering role in the nation's football history.
4. Career Statistics
Hong Deok-young's international career spanned from 1948 to 1954, during which he made 17 appearances for the South Korea national football team without scoring any goals.
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 1948 | 2 | 0 |
| 1949 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1953 | 5 | 0 | |
| 1954 | 8 | 0 | |
| Career total | 17 | 0 | |
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 7 | 0 |
| Asian Games | 4 | 0 |
| Summer Olympics | 2 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup qualification | 2 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 0 |
5. Post-Playing Career
After concluding his playing career, Hong Deok-young continued his involvement in football through various roles, including an international referee, a manager, and an administrator, showcasing his lifelong dedication to the sport.
5.1. Referee Career
Hong Deok-young embarked on a career as an international football referee following his retirement as a player. He served as a certified international referee for a decade, from 1957 to 1967. His distinguished service in this role was recognized by FIFA, which presented him with a special referee award in 1974.
5.2. Managerial Career
Hong Deok-young transitioned into football management, coaching various teams throughout his post-playing career. From 1959 to 1962, he served as the manager for his alma mater, the Korea University football team. He then took on the role of manager for Seoul Bank FC, an amateur team that has since been dissolved, leading them for eight years from 1969 to 1976. During his time with these teams, he was instrumental in nurturing numerous young talents. In 1971, Hong was also appointed as the manager of the South Korea national football team, having previously served in this capacity from 1970 to 1971.
5.3. Administrative Career
Beyond the field, Hong Deok-young made significant contributions to the governance and development of Korean football through various administrative positions. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Korea Football Association (KFA) in 1960, 1962, 1967, and again from 1972 to 1974. His leadership continued as he served as the Vice-President of the KFA from 1985 to 1986. A testament to his enduring influence, he was also selected as a committee member for the 2002 FIFA World Cup organizing committee, which was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. In this capacity, he played a part in the historic event that saw South Korea reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, a significant achievement that contributed to the "myth" of Korean football's rise.
6. Personal Life and Death
In his later years, Hong Deok-young faced severe health challenges. He suffered from complications related to diabetes mellitus, which eventually led to him losing his eyesight. His diabetes had already impacted his vision during his playing career, requiring him to wear glasses on the pitch. Furthermore, he underwent surgery for toe amputation as a result of his condition. Hong Deok-young passed away on 13 September 2005, at the age of 79, in Seoul, South Korea, after a difficult battle with his illness.
7. Awards and Honors
Hong Deok-young received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, recognizing his contributions as a player, manager, and administrator.
Joseon Textile
- Korean President's Cup runner-up: 1952, 1953, 1954
South Korea
- Asian Games silver medal: 1954
Individual
- FIFA Special Referee Award: 1974
- Korean FA Hall of Fame: 2005
In 2005, Hong Deok-young was posthumously inducted into the Korean FA Hall of Fame, a significant recognition of his legacy. He was honored as one of the "Seven Giants of 20th Century Korean Football," alongside other legendary figures such as Kim Yong-sik and coach Guus Hiddink, further cementing his status as a pioneer and a monumental figure in the history of Korean football.
8. Legacy and Assessment
Hong Deok-young's legacy in Korean football is profound and enduring. As one of the earliest players to represent South Korea on the international stage, he is rightfully considered a pioneer who laid the groundwork for the nation's footballing future. His participation in the country's first Olympic football tournament, first World Cup qualification, and first Asian Games medal victory highlights his central role in establishing South Korea's presence in international football.
His dedication to the sport extended far beyond his playing days, with significant contributions as an international referee, a manager who nurtured future generations of players, and a committed administrator within the Korea Football Association. His involvement with the 2002 FIFA World Cup organizing committee connected his pioneering spirit to one of the greatest achievements in Korean football history, the national team's semi-final finish on home soil. Hong Deok-young is widely celebrated as one of the "giants of 20th century Korean football," his name synonymous with the beginning and early development of the sport in the nation, inspiring generations of footballers and fans. His life's work demonstrated unwavering commitment to football, making him an iconic figure whose impact continues to resonate in the sport's history in South Korea.