1. Life
Moon Jung-sik's life was dedicated to football, spanning successful careers as both a player and a manager across several decades.
1.1. Early Life and Playing Career
Born on June 23, 1930, in Korea under Japanese rule, Moon Jung-sik began his football journey during his formative years. He attended Paichai High School, where he developed his skills as a forward, laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors.
1.1.1. Club Career
Moon Jung-sik played for several notable domestic clubs during his active playing career. From an unspecified start date until 1957, he was a member of ROK Army HID. He then moved to ROK Army CIC, where he played from 1958 to 1961. His club career concluded with Cheil Industries, where he competed from 1962 to 1965.
1.1.2. International Career
Moon Jung-sik was an integral part of the South Korea national football team for four years, from 1958 to 1962. During this period, he earned 34 caps and scored 8 goals for his country. He participated in several significant international tournaments, including four matches in the 1962 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC). His contributions were instrumental in securing the gold medal at the 1960 AFC Asian Cup and winning silver medals at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo and the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
1.2. Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Moon Jung-sik embarked on a comprehensive managerial career, leading both club and national teams.
1.2.1. Club Management
Moon Jung-sik began his coaching career as an assistant coach for Cheil Industries FC. He later took on managerial roles for various clubs. From 1973 to 1981, he managed Korea Automobile Insurance, leading the team to several successes. He then became the inaugural manager of Hyundai Horang-i (now Ulsan Hyundai FC), serving from 1984 to 1986.
In 1994, Moon Jung-sik took on the challenge of managing Ōita Trinity (now Oita Trinita) in Japan. Under his leadership, the club achieved a significant milestone in 1995 by finishing as the runner-up in the Kyushu Soccer League's National Regional Soccer League Final Tournament, which secured their promotion to the Japan Football League. He departed from Ōita Trinity at the end of the 1996 season due to health reasons.
1.2.2. National Team Management
Moon Jung-sik had multiple stints as a national team manager. He managed the South Korea national football team twice: first in 1973 and 1976, and then again from 1984 to 1985. In addition to his roles with the men's team, he also managed the South Korea women's national football team from 1991 to 1992.
2. Honours and Achievements
Moon Jung-sik's career was marked by numerous honours and achievements as both a player and a manager.
2.1. As a Player
2.1.1. Club Honours
- ROK Army HID
- Korean President's Cup: 1954
- ROK Army CIC
- Korean National Championship: 1959
- Korean President's Cup: 1959, 1961
- Cheil Industries
- Korean Semi-professional League (Spring): 1964
- Korean President's Cup: 1963
2.1.2. International Honours
- AFC Asian Cup: 1960 (Gold)
- Asian Games silver medal: 1958, 1962
2.1.3. Individual Honours
- KASA Best Korean Footballer: 1960
2.2. As a Manager
2.2.1. Club Honours
- Korea Automobile Insurance
- Korean Semi-professional League (Autumn): 1978, 1980
- Korean President's Cup: 1976
- Ōita Trinity
- Kyushu Soccer League: Runner-up in the 1995 National Regional Soccer League Final Tournament (promotion to JFL)
2.2.2. Individual Honours
- Korean Semi-professional League (Autumn) Best Manager: 1978
- Korean President's Cup Best Manager: 1976
3. Later Life and Death
3.1. Post-retirement Activities
After concluding his primary managerial roles, Moon Jung-sik returned to South Korea. He continued to contribute to football as the Vice President of the Korea Football Association. In January 1997, he was presented with a letter of appreciation from Beppu City in Japan.
3.2. Death
Moon Jung-sik passed away on December 25, 2006, at the age of 77, in Seoul, South Korea.
4. Legacy and Impact
4.1. Contribution to South Korean Football
Moon Jung-sik left a lasting legacy on South Korean football through his dual roles as a successful player and an influential manager. As a player, he was part of a golden generation that brought home the 1960 AFC Asian Cup and two Asian Games silver medals, contributing to the nation's early successes on the international stage. His transition into management saw him pioneering significant roles, such as being the first manager of Hyundai Horang-i, which later became Ulsan Hyundai FC, a major club in the K League. His leadership at Korea Automobile Insurance also brought multiple titles in the semi-professional league. Beyond South Korea, his tenure with Ōita Trinity in Japan, where he secured their promotion to the Japan Football League, demonstrated his coaching prowess on an international level. His later role as Vice President of the Korea Football Association underscored his continued dedication to the administrative and developmental aspects of the sport, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in the history of South Korean football.