1. Overview
Park Se-Hak (박세학Bak Se-hakKorean; January 1, 1936 - December 21, 2021) was a prominent South Korean association football player and manager. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the development of professional football in South Korea, most notably as the inaugural manager of FC Seoul, then known as Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso. Throughout his career, Park Se-Hak played a pioneering role in establishing the foundations of professional football management in the country, leading his teams to multiple championships and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
2. Early Life and Playing Career
Park Se-Hak's journey in football began with his playing career, before he transitioned into a highly successful managerial role.
2.1. Birth and Background
Park Se-Hak was born on January 1, 1936. Information about his early life is limited, but he emerged as a notable figure in South Korean football, eventually making a name for himself as a player.
2.2. Playing Career
Park Se-Hak played professional football for Korea Tungsten Company FC. His career as a player concluded when he retired from the team in 1968. After his retirement, he stepped away from the football scene for eight years before making his return as a coach.
3. Managerial Career
Park Se-Hak embarked on an extensive and successful managerial career after his playing days, leading various teams to significant achievements.
3.1. Early Coaching Roles
In 1976, eight years after his retirement as a player, Park Se-Hak returned to the football world as a coach for the Navy Haeryong Football Club. Under his guidance, the Navy Haeryong Football Club transformed into a formidable force in South Korean football. He led the team to four championship titles, including victories in the 1978 Spring and Autumn season Industrial League, the 1979 President's Cup, and the National Sports Festival. Additionally, the team secured runner-up positions on six separate occasions, showcasing Park Se-Hak's ability to consistently develop competitive teams.
3.2. Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (FC Seoul)
In August 1983, Park Se-Hak was appointed as the inaugural manager of Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso, which later became FC Seoul. This marked a pivotal moment in his career and in the history of Korean professional football, as he took the helm of one of the newly formed professional clubs. In his second season with the team, in 1985, Park Se-Hak led Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso to win their first-ever K-League title, solidifying his reputation as a highly capable and effective manager. The team further demonstrated its strength by achieving a runner-up finish in the K-League in 1986 under his leadership. His tenure at Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso lasted until the end of the 1987 season, after which Ko Jae-wook took over the managerial role.
4. Honours and Achievements
Park Se-Hak's managerial career was marked by notable successes, including multiple team championships and individual recognition.
4.1. As Manager
Park Se-Hak achieved several significant honours as a manager:
- K-League**:
- Winner: 1985 (with Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso)
- Runner-up: 1986 (with Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso)
- K-League Manager of the Year Award**: 1985
5. Later Life and Death
After his active career in football, Park Se-Hak lived a life away from the public spotlight.
5.1. Death
Park Se-Hak passed away on December 21, 2021, at the age of 85.
6. Legacy and Assessment
Park Se-Hak's contributions to South Korean football left an indelible mark, influencing the sport's professionalization and growth.
6.1. Impact on Korean Football
Park Se-Hak played a crucial pioneering role in South Korean professional football. As the first manager of Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso, he helped lay the groundwork for one of the K-League's most enduring and successful clubs. His ability to transform teams, as seen with Navy Haeryong Football Club and Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso, contributed significantly to the early competitiveness and growth of the professional league. His achievements, including winning the 1985 K-League title, demonstrated the potential and excitement of professional football in South Korea, inspiring further development and public interest in the sport.
6.2. Historical Evaluation
Historically, Park Se-Hak is recognized as a foundational figure in the professionalization of South Korean football. His disciplined approach and strategic acumen were instrumental in the early successes of the K-League. While his career as a player was notable, it was his extensive and impactful managerial tenure, particularly his leadership during the formative years of the K-League, that cemented his place in the sport's history. He is remembered as a manager who not only achieved success but also contributed to shaping the competitive landscape of Korean professional football.