1. Overview
Park Sung-woo (박성우Bak Seong-uKorean), born on August 22, 1971, is a prominent figure in South Korean badminton, known for his impactful career as both a player and a national team coach. He is particularly celebrated for achieving the silver medal in the men's singles at the 1995 BWF World Championships, a historic feat as he was the first South Korean male singles player to reach a World Championships final in this category. His playing career also saw him secure a career-high world ranking of number two and win numerous international titles, including the 1995 Asian Championships. After retiring from competitive play, Park transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of national teams in both Japan and his home country, South Korea. His legacy is marked by his pioneering achievements as a player and his continued dedication to the sport's growth.
2. Early Life and Background
Park Sung-woo was born on August 22, 1971. He stands at 6.0 ft (1.82 m) tall and weighs 163 lb (74 kg). Throughout his playing career, he was known for his right-handed play.
3. Playing Career
Park Sung-woo had a distinguished career as a badminton player, competing in various international and national tournaments. His peak performance saw him achieve significant success, particularly in men's singles, where he reached a career-high world ranking of number two. His achievements include major international titles and notable performances at prestigious global events.
3.1. Major Achievements
Park Sung-woo achieved several significant milestones during his playing career. In 1995, he clinched the men's singles title at the Asian Championships. That same year, he also won the Swedish Open. A defining moment in his career was at the 1995 BWF World Championships, where he made history by becoming the first ever South Korean male singles player to secure a silver medal in the men's singles event. In 1996, he reached the semifinals of the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships. His strong performances led him to a career-high world ranking of number 2. Domestically, representing Dangjin, he won the men's singles title at the 1996 Korean National Sports Festival. Park was also a key member of the South Korean national team that competed in various team events. He earned a gold medal with the mixed team at the 1993 Sudirman Cup, followed by a bronze in 1995 and a silver in 1997 in the same competition. In the Thomas Cup, he contributed to men's team bronze medals in 1992, 1994, and 1996. At the Asian Games, he won a silver medal with the men's team in 1994 and a bronze medal in 1998.
3.2. World and Olympic Participation
Park Sung-woo participated in some of the most prestigious international badminton competitions. At the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, he reached the quarterfinals in the men's singles event, showcasing his competitive prowess on the global stage. He was also a prominent contender at the BWF World Championships, where his most notable achievement was winning the silver medal in 1995.
3.3. Detailed Tournament Results
3.3.1. World Championships
Park Sung-woo's performance at the BWF World Championships is highlighted by his historic silver medal.
Men's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Malley Sports Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland | Heryanto Arbi (Indonesia) | 11-15, 8-15 |  Silver |
3.3.2. World Cup
He secured a bronze medal at the Badminton World Cup.
Men's singles
3.3.3. Asian Championships
Park Sung-woo achieved both gold and bronze medals at the Badminton Asia Championships.
Men's singles
3.3.4. Asian Cup
He also earned a bronze medal at the Badminton Asian Cup.
Men's singles
3.3.5. IBF World Grand Prix
The IBF World Grand Prix was sanctioned by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) from 1983 to 2006. Park Sung-woo achieved notable results in this series.
Men's singles
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Swedish Open | Kim Hak-kyun (South Korea) | 17-18, 15-3, 15-4 | Winner |
| 1997 | Japan Open | Peter Rasmussen (Denmark) | 3-15, 1-15 | Runner-up |
| 1997 | Korea Open | Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen (Denmark) | 12-15, 10-15 | Runner-up |
3.3.6. IBF International
Park Sung-woo also competed in IBF International tournaments, both in singles and doubles.
Men's singles
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | USSR International | Mikhail Korshuk (Soviet Union) | 15-3, 15-12 | Winner |
Men's doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Canadian Open | Yoo Dae-yun (South Korea) | Mike Bitten (Canada) Bryan Blanshard (Canada) | 15-4, 7-15, 4-15 | Runner-up |
| 1991 | USSR International | Kim Hyung-jin (South Korea) | Kim Moon-soo (South Korea) Park Joo-bong (South Korea) | 4-15, 5-15 | Runner-up |
3.3.7. Sudirman Cup
Park Sung-woo was an integral part of the South Korean mixed team that competed in the Sudirman Cup, an international mixed team badminton championship.
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Birmingham, England |  Gold |
| 1995 | Lausanne, Switzerland |  Bronze |
| 1997 | Glasgow, Scotland | Silver |
3.3.8. Thomas Cup
He represented South Korea in the Thomas Cup, the premier international men's team badminton championship.
3.3.9. Asian Games
Park Sung-woo earned medals for South Korea in the men's team event at the Asian Games.
4. Coaching Career
Following his successful playing career, Park Sung-woo transitioned into coaching, contributing his expertise to national badminton programs. In 2006, he began his coaching career as a national coach for Japan. Later, he returned to his home country, South Korea, to serve as a national team coach there as well, continuing to nurture new generations of badminton talent.
5. Personal Life
Park Sung-woo's personal life includes his marriage to Lim O-kyeong, a distinguished former South Korean Olympian and handball player. The couple married in 1998 and had a daughter. However, after ten years of marriage, Park and Lim divorced in 2007.
6. Legacy and Impact
Park Sung-woo holds a significant place in the history of South Korean badminton, largely due to his pioneering achievements as a player and his subsequent contributions as a coach. His silver medal in the men's singles at the 1995 BWF World Championships was a landmark event, marking him as the first South Korean male singles player to reach such a high distinction in this category at a global championship. This accomplishment not only elevated his personal standing but also inspired future generations of South Korean badminton players, demonstrating the potential for success on the world stage. Beyond his individual records, his participation and medal wins in major team competitions like the Sudirman Cup, Thomas Cup, and Asian Games further solidified his role in fostering national pride and excellence in the sport. As a coach, his involvement with both the Japanese and South Korean national teams signifies his enduring influence on badminton's development, showcasing a continued commitment to nurturing talent and advancing the sport's professional landscape. His career exemplifies a comprehensive dedication to badminton, from elite competition to strategic development, leaving a lasting impact on South Korean sports.