South KoreanFootballerNational Team PlayerMedalist

Sung Nak-woon

Sung Nak-Woon was a distinguished South Korean football player and international referee, known for his 1954 FIFA World Cup appearance, 1956 AFC Asian Cup victory, and two Asian Games silver medals.

1. Early Life

Sung Nak-Woon was born on February 2, 1926, in Korea under Japanese rule, during a period when the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule. Details of his early childhood and upbringing are not extensively documented, but his passion for football emerged during these formative years, leading him to a prominent career in the sport.

2. Playing Career

Sung Nak-Woon had a significant career as a football player, primarily known for his role as a forward for both a club team and the national squad, where he contributed to several notable achievements.

2.1. Club Career

Sung Nak-Woon played as a forward for Seoul Football Club. While specific details about his tenure, such as caps or goals scored at the club level, are not widely available, his presence in one of the prominent clubs of the era underscores his talent and standing as a player in South Korean domestic football.

2.2. International Career

Sung Nak-Woon was a vital member of the South Korea national football team during the 1950s, participating in several major international tournaments and contributing to the nation's early successes on the global stage.

He was part of the South Korean squad that competed in the 1954 FIFA World Cup held in Switzerland, marking South Korea's first-ever appearance in the tournament. He played alongside other key figures of that generation, including Hong Deok-young, Park Kyu-chung, Choi Chung-min, and Woo Sang-kwon.

Two years later, Sung Nak-Woon played a crucial role in South Korea's historic victory at the 1956 AFC Asian Cup in Hong Kong, where the team secured the gold medal. This triumph marked a significant milestone for South Korean football, establishing the nation as a strong contender in Asian football. The squad included other notable players such as Ham Heung-chul, Kim Ji-sung, and Lee Soo-nam.

In addition to the World Cup and Asian Cup, Sung Nak-Woon represented South Korea in two editions of the Asian Games. He participated in the 1954 Asian Games and the 1958 Asian Games, contributing significantly to South Korea's success. Across these two tournaments, he notably scored 6 goals, which helped the South Korea national team secure silver medals in both events. His consistent performance and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in these consecutive medal finishes.

Sung Nak-Woon in 1954, the year of his World Cup appearance.
Sung Nak-Woon in 1954, the year of his World Cup appearance.

3. Post-Retirement

Following his retirement as a professional football player, Sung Nak-Woon transitioned into a new role within the sport as a football referee. His dedication to football continued, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become an international referee. He served in this capacity from 1965 to 1976, officiating various international matches and contributing to the fair play and development of the game from a different perspective. His career as an international referee further cemented his enduring commitment to football.

4. Death

Sung Nak-Woon passed away on May 28, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea. He was 70 years old at the time of his death, having lived a life dedicated to football as both a prominent player and a respected international referee.

5. Legacy

Sung Nak-Woon is remembered as a pioneering figure in South Korean football, whose career spanned a crucial period of the sport's early development in the nation. As a player, he was part of the South Korean national team that made history with its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1954 and achieved its inaugural continental success by winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1956. His contributions, including his 6 goals in two Asian Games that secured consecutive silver medals, underscore his impact on the field.

Beyond his playing days, his transition to an international referee for over a decade highlighted his deep and lasting commitment to the sport. Sung Nak-Woon's diverse career, encompassing roles as a key player in significant national achievements and as a respected official, showcases his multifaceted contribution to the foundation and growth of South Korean football. His legacy is that of a dedicated sportsman who helped elevate his nation's presence on the international football stage.