Lee Kwang-jong
Lee Kwang-jong | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date South Korea |
| Died | September 26, 2016 (aged 52) |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer, coach |
Lee Kwang-jong (Template:Ko-hhrm, 1 April 1964 – 26 September 2016) was a prominent South Korean footballer and coach.
Managerial career
In October 2003, Lee took on the role of interim manager for the South Korea national under-17 football team during the qualification phase of the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship. The following year, he served as assistant coach for the South Korea national under-20 football team, contributing to their campaigns in both the 2004 AFC Youth Championship and the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.
By October 2007, Lee was appointed as the full-time head coach of the national under-17 squad. Under his leadership, the team secured a runner-up position at the 2008 AFC U-16 Championship, which earned them qualification for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. This tournament marked a significant achievement as South Korea advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in 22 years, since their performance in the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Championship.
Transitioning to manage the under-20 team in 2010, Lee faced challenges including the absence of three forwards—Son Heung-min, Ji Dong-won, and Nam Tae-hee—who were unable to participate in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup due to restrictions from their clubs in Europe's top leagues. Despite this setback, his squad managed to gain three points during the group stage, narrowly avoiding elimination. Their campaign concluded in the round of 16 after a goalless draw with Spain, ultimately losing 7–6 in a penalty shootout.
Following the 2011 U-20 World Cup, Lee continued leading a new cohort known locally as the "Valley Generation," considered one of South Korea's weaker youth groups. Defying expectations, this team triumphed at the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship. Although lacking standout stars, their cohesive teamwork propelled them to reach the quarter-finals at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In November 2013, Lee was elevated to manage the South Korea national under-23 football team. During their participation in the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship, his squad exhibited vulnerabilities in offensive dynamics and set-piece execution. To address these issues before the 2014 Asian Games, Lee included overage forward Kim Shin-wook to strengthen attacking options. Unfortunately, Kim sustained an injury during the second group match, compelling Lee to revise his strategy. Emphasizing defensive solidity anchored by captain Jang Hyun-soo, his team achieved remarkable success by winning all seven matches without conceding a single goal, securing the gold medal.
Following this accomplishment, the Korea Football Association extended Lee’s contract through to the conclusion of the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, in February 2015, Lee was diagnosed with acute leukemia and subsequently resigned from his coaching position. He passed away on 26 September 2016 at age 52.
Player
Yukong Elephants
- K League 1: Champions in 1989
- Korean League Cup: Winners in 1994
Manager
South Korea U17
- AFC U-16 Championship: Finished as runners-up in 2008
South Korea U20
- AFC U-19 Championship: Title secured in 2012
South Korea U23
- Asian Games: Gold medalists in 2014