Kim Yong-sik facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kim Yong-sik

Personal information
Full name	Kim Yong-sik
Date of birth	(1910-07-25)25 July 1910
Place of birth	Sinchon, Hwanghae, Korean Empire
Date of death	8 March 1985(1985-03-08) (aged 74)
Place of death	Seoul, South Korea
Height	1.72 m (5 ft 7+1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Defensive midfielder
Youth career
	Kyungshin High school
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1933–1940	Kyungsung FC
1934	Joseon FC
1940–1942	Pyongyang FC
1946–1947	Seoul FC
1946–1950	Joseon Electrical Industry
1950–1952	ROK Army
National team
1936–1940	Japan	3	(0)
1948–1950	South Korea	3	(1)
Teams managed
1953	South Korea
1954	South Korea
1959	South Korea
1960–1961	South Korea
1968–1969	Yangzee
1969	South Korea
1970	Korea Trust Bank
1981–1982	Hallelujah FC
Honours Men's football Representing  South Korea (as manager) AFC Asian Cup Winner 1960 South Korea Team
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Kim Yong-sik (Korean: 김용식; Hanja: 金容植; 25 July 1910 – 8 March 1985) was a famous South Korean football player and manager. Many people call him the "godfather" of South Korean football because of his huge impact on the sport.

Playing for Two Nations

Kim Yong-sik had a very special career. He played international football for both Japan and South Korea. This was because Korea was under Japanese rule for a long time.

Olympic Games for Japan

During the time Japan ruled Korea, Kim was the only Korean footballer chosen for the Japanese national team. He played in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. In the first game against Sweden, he helped Japan win by assisting the goal that decided the match. After the Olympics, Kim went to Waseda University in Japan. However, he soon returned to Korea due to unfair treatment towards Koreans.

Olympic Games for South Korea

After Korea became free from Japanese rule, Kim could finally play for his own country. He played for South Korea in the 1948 Summer Olympics. In this event, he was a player-coach and helped South Korea get its first-ever victory in football against Mexico.

Kim's Playing Style

Kim Yong-sik was known for being a very talented player. He was fast, had excellent skills, and worked incredibly hard on the field. Even the Japanese national team recognized his amazing abilities. He played as a centre-half, which is a defensive midfield position. However, he was also a playmaker, meaning he helped create attacking chances for his team.

Managing the National Team

After he stopped playing, Kim Yong-sik became a successful football manager. He managed the South Korean national team in big tournaments. He led the team in the 1954 FIFA World Cup and helped them win the 1960 AFC Asian Cup.

His Dedication to Football

Kim Yong-sik was extremely dedicated to football. He focused only on the sport and avoided anything that could harm his body. He was very passionate about training and staying fit. This healthy lifestyle allowed him to keep playing football until he was 40 years old!

Achievements and Awards

Kim Yong-sik won many awards and championships throughout his career as both a player and a manager.

As a Player

• Soongsil College
  • All Joseon Football Tournament: 1931
• Kyungsung FC
  • All Joseon Football Tournament: 1936
  • Emperor's Cup: 1935
• Joseon Electrical Industry
  • Korean National Championship: 1949
• Individual Awards
  • He was recognized in the Korean FA Hall of Fame in 2005.

As a Manager

• South Korea National Team
  • AFC Asian Cup: 1960
• Yangzee FC
  • Korean National Championship: 1968
  • Runner-up in the Asian Champion Club Tournament: 1969