1. Career
Kim Jung-hyuk's professional journey began with a promising youth career, leading to his entry into professional football, where he achieved significant success with Jeonnam Dragons. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, eventually taking the helm at Mokpo City FC.
1.1. Early Player Career
Kim Jung-hyuk began his football career in the youth ranks, attending Youngdeungpo Technical High School and later Myongji University, from which he graduated in 1991. During his university days, he earned the nickname "Second Kim Joo-sung" due to his prolific performance as a striker. He was also a member of the South Korean national team for the 1987 Summer Universiade.
In the 1992 K League rookie draft, Kim was initially selected by Ilhwa Chunma. However, he was subsequently traded to Daewoo Royals through a player exchange. The trade involved notable players Shin Tae-yong and Lee Tae-hong, who were key attacking figures for the South Korean national team at the Barcelona Olympics. During his tenure with Daewoo Royals, Kim Jung-hyuk's performance was modest; he recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in the 1992 season, but registered no attack points (goals or assists) in both the 1993 and 1994 seasons.
In August 1994, he joined the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps, fulfilling his military service. However, his service was cut short due to a significant knee injury sustained during the World Military Games. He was medically discharged in early 1996, which left him as a free agent.
1.2. Jeonnam Dragons and FA Cup Success
Following his medical discharge from military service and subsequent free agency, Kim Jung-hyuk joined Jeonnam Dragons. It was during his time with the Dragons that he experienced his most significant professional success. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory in the Korean FA Cup, securing the club's first major trophy. His outstanding performance throughout the tournament was recognized with the FA Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Kim Jung-hyuk retired from professional football in 2002.
1.3. Managerial Career
After concluding his playing career, Kim Jung-hyuk transitioned into coaching. In 2009, he was appointed as the manager of Mokpo City FC, a club participating in the K3 League (formerly National League). Under his leadership, the club achieved a remarkable feat in the 2017 FA Cup. Mokpo City FC, an amateur club at the time, made an unexpected deep run in the competition, defeating several professional teams, including Seongnam FC, to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
2. Honours
Kim Jung-hyuk received several significant honours throughout his career, both as a player and as a manager.
2.1. Team Honours
- Jeonnam Dragons
- FA Cup Winners: 1997
2.2. Individual Honours
- FA Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP): 1997