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Hong Kyung-suk

Hong Kyung-suk is a South Korean football coach and former player for the national team who led the Bhutan women's team to their first international semifinal.

1. Early Life and Education

Hong Kyung-suk was born on October 14, 1984, in South Korea. For her education, she attended the Yeojoo Institute of Technology.

2. Playing Career

Hong Kyung-suk's playing career spanned several years, during which she made significant contributions at both the club and international levels.

2.1. Club Career

Hong Kyung-suk began her club career in 2005, joining Seoul Amazones, where she played until 2007. In 2008, she moved to Daekyo Kangaroos (later known as Icheon Daekyo). She remained with Daekyo until 2015, making 36 appearances and scoring 1 goal for the club. During her tenure with Daekyo, she played a pivotal role in their success in the WK-League, securing three championships in 2009, 2011, and 2012. The team also finished as WK-League runners-up in 2014 and 2015, and took third place in 2010 and 2013. Beyond the WK-League, Hong also contributed to Daekyo's triumphs in the National Women's Football Championship, winning titles in 2013 and 2014, and finishing as runner-up in 2012, while reaching the semifinals in 2011. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2012 National Sports Festival.

2.2. International Career

Hong Kyung-suk joined the South Korea women's national football team in 2002. She earned 57 caps and scored 4 goals for the national team throughout her international career, which lasted until 2010. She played a crucial role in South Korea's victory at the 2005 East Asian Women's Football Championship and was part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games. Furthermore, she represented South Korea in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup and participated in two editions of the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals.

2.2.1. International Goals

Hong Kyung-suk scored four goals for the South Korea women's national football team during her international career. Her first international goal was scored in a match against Chinese Taipei during the 2002 Asian Games.

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.4 October 2002Yangsan Stadium, Yangsan, South KoreaChinese Taipei1-02-12002 Asian Games

3. Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Hong Kyung-suk transitioned into football coaching, taking on significant roles, most notably with the Bhutan women's national team.

3.1. Bhutan Women's National Football Team

In 2022, Hong Kyung-suk was appointed as the head coach of the Bhutan women's national football team, which was considered one of the weakest teams in Asian women's football at the time. Under her leadership, the team achieved a historic milestone at the 2022 SAFF Women's Championship. She guided the Bhutanese women's team to their first-ever international tournament semifinal. This achievement also marked the first time in 14 years that any Bhutanese national football team, male or female, had reached the semifinals of the SAFF Championship.

4. Honours and Achievements

Hong Kyung-suk's career as both a player and a coach is marked by several notable honours and achievements.

4.1. As a Player

During her playing career, Hong Kyung-suk achieved significant success at both the club and international levels.

4.1.1. Club

  • WK-League:
    • Winner: 2009, 2011, 2012
    • Runner-up: 2014, 2015
    • Third Place: 2010, 2013
  • National Women's Football Championship:
    • Winner: 2013, 2014
    • Runner-up: 2012
    • Semifinal: 2011
  • National Sports Festival:
    • Bronze Medal: 2012

4.1.2. International

  • East Asian Cup:
    • Winner: 2005
  • Asian Games:
    • Bronze Medal: 2010

4.2. As a Coach

Hong Kyung-suk's coaching career began with a significant achievement for the Bhutanese national team.

  • SAFF Women's Championship:
    • Semifinal: 2022