Biography
Who is Hong Myung-bo?
Early life and education
Hong Myung-bo was born on February 12, 1969, in Seoul, South Korea. He attended local schools during his youth, including Seoul Kwangjang Elementary School and Kwanghee Middle School. He later completed his secondary education at Dongbuk High School before beginning his professional athletic path.
His career in football began locally before he moved into the professional ranks. He played for several well-known teams throughout his career, including Gimcheon Sangmu FC, FC Pohang Steelers, Shonan Bellmare, Kashiwa Reysol, and the LA Galaxy. These experiences helped him develop the defensive style that defined his reputation as an offensive sweeper.
International football career
Hong Myung-bo participated in four consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments between 1990 and 2002. This achievement made him the first Asian player to reach that milestone. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he captained the South Korean team to a fourth-place finish and earned the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the competition. He was the first Asian player to receive this individual award.
Over the course of his international playing career, Hong earned 136 caps for South Korea. He announced his retirement from international play following a friendly match against Brazil in 2002. His record for the most appearances for the South Korean national team stood for many years until it was eventually surpassed in 2025.
Managerial highlights
Following his retirement as a player, Hong transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the national team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. In 2009, he took charge of the under-20 national team, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
He later coached the under-23 team, where he secured bronze medals at both the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics. This Olympic victory marked the first football medal for South Korea in the tournament's history. Between 2020 and 2024, he managed the K League 1 club Ulsan Hyundai, where he led the team to two consecutive league titles in 2022 and 2023. He returned to manage the South Korean national team in 2024, though he eventually resigned from the position in June 2026.
Playing style and personal life
Known as the Eternal Libero by the South Korean media, Hong was recognized for his wide field of vision and leadership on the field. Although he did not rely on rapid pace or stamina, his accurate long-range passing and ability to organize defensive partners made him a vital part of the team. He was selected for the FIFA 100 list by Pelé in 2004, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Outside of his professional duties, Hong married in 1997 and has two sons. His career has seen him work across various international leagues and clubs, including a stint as an assistant coach at Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia and a managerial role at Hangzhou Greentown in China.
Birthday and age
Hong Myung-bo was born on February 12, 1969, which makes Hong 57 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Hong shares the date with 35 other famous people.
Explore more
