1. Overview
Kim Hyok-bong (김혁봉Kim Hyok-bongKorean 金赫奉Kim Hyok-bongKorean; born 28 October 1985) is a retired North Korean table tennis player. He is best known for his significant achievements in mixed doubles events, particularly winning gold medals at the 2013 World Table Tennis Championships and the 2014 Asian Games. Representing the April 25 Sports Team, Kim Hyok-bong's victories brought considerable international recognition to North Korea in the sport, especially his historic 2013 World Championship title, which marked the first time a North Korean pair had won gold since 1977 and broke a long-standing dominance by Chinese teams in the mixed doubles category. His career highlights reflect a tenacious spirit, demonstrating the capacity for athletes from less prominent sporting nations to rise to the top of highly competitive international arenas.
2. Early Life and Background
Kim Hyok-bong was born on 28 October 1985. He is a national of North Korea and was affiliated with the April 25 Sports Team, a prestigious sports club in North Korea, throughout his professional career. He stands at a height of 5.6 ft (1.71 m) and weighs 143 lb (65 kg).
3. Career
Kim Hyok-bong had a distinguished career in professional table tennis, competing in numerous international tournaments and achieving notable success, especially in mixed doubles.
3.1. Olympic Appearances
Kim Hyok-bong represented North Korea in two Summer Olympics. He competed in both the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. At the 2012 London Games, he notably advanced to the fourth round of the men's singles tournament, where he defeated the highly seeded South Korean player Joo Se-hyuk in the third round, showcasing his competitive prowess on the Olympic stage.
3.2. Major International Achievements
Kim Hyok-bong achieved significant medal-winning performances in various major international competitions, primarily excelling in mixed doubles alongside his partner Kim Jong.
| Competition | Year | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Table Tennis Championships | 2013 Paris | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| 2015 Suzhou | Mixed Doubles | Bronze | |
| Asian Games | 2014 Incheon | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| Asian Table Tennis Championships | 2007 Yangzhou | Mixed Doubles | Bronze |
| 2012 Macau | Mixed Doubles | Bronze | |
| East Asian Games | 2013 Tianjin | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
3.3. Career Highlights and Records
One of Kim Hyok-bong's most significant career highlights was winning the gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2013 World Table Tennis Championships in Paris with his partner Kim Jong. This victory was particularly historic as it was the first gold medal for North Korea at the World Championships since 1977. Moreover, it marked the first time in 11 World Championship tournaments that a non-Chinese pair won the mixed doubles title. The last time a non-Chinese pair had achieved this feat was in 1989, when Liu Nam-kyu and Hyun Jung-hwa of South Korea claimed the gold. Their triumph in Paris was widely celebrated, leading to Kim Hyok-bong and Kim Jong being hailed as national heroes upon their return to North Korea. He continued his success in mixed doubles, securing a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2015 World Table Tennis Championships.
4. Retirement
Kim Hyok-bong has retired from professional table tennis. His career concluded after a series of notable achievements on the international circuit.
5. Assessment and Legacy
Kim Hyok-bong's career is notable for its significant impact on North Korean table tennis and his ability to challenge the established global hierarchy in the sport. His gold medal at the 2013 World Table Tennis Championships, achieved alongside Kim Jong, is considered a monumental achievement, not only for being North Korea's first world title in decades but also for breaking the dominant streak of Chinese pairs in mixed doubles. This victory, followed by a gold at the 2014 Asian Games, solidified his status as a key figure in North Korean sports history. His achievements provided a rare moment of international sporting triumph for North Korea, showcasing the nation's athletic talent and serving as a source of national pride. Kim Hyok-bong's legacy lies in his ability to push beyond the expected, demonstrating that dedication and skill can lead to top-tier international success even against formidable opponents.