K League Hall of Fame 2025: Legends Immortalised in Korean Football History
Four titans of the pitch — a prolific goalkeeper, a wild stallion of versatility, a foreign goal machine, and a beloved national hero — have been inducted into the K League Hall of Fame, joining two pivotal figures off the pitch who helped shape the very foundations of Korean professional football.
A Celebration of Legacy: The Hall Grows Larger
The K League Hall of Fame, established in 2023 to commemorate the league’s 40th anniversary, has unveiled its second class of inductees. This year’s selections span across player, manager, and contributor categories, offering a panoramic view of Korean football’s evolution and the icons who defined its course.
After a meticulous multi-stage selection process involving league officials, media, club representatives, and fans, the 2025 class was finalised. Among the honoured are goalkeeping icon Kim Byung-ji, versatile pioneer Kim Joo-sung, Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanović, and the late Yoo Sang-chul. They are joined by legendary manager Kim Ho and former Korea FA president Chung Mong-joon.
The Wall Between the Posts: Kim Byung-ji
No name symbolises longevity and eccentric brilliance between the sticks quite like Kim Byung-ji. With a staggering 708 appearances — a record for a goalkeeper in the league — and 229 clean sheets, his career is a testament to discipline, durability, and daring. Beyond the gloves, Kim famously scored three goals, earning the moniker "the goal-scoring goalkeeper." His accolades include four Best XI selections across multiple clubs, cementing his place among Korea’s most iconic footballers.
The Wild Stallion: Kim Joo-sung’s Multi-Positional Greatness
Few players have danced across the tactical spectrum as gracefully as Kim Joo-sung. Nicknamed the "Wild Horse," Kim debuted in 1987 and would go on to be selected in the K League Best XI as a forward, midfielder, and defender — a feat unmatched until the emergence of Yoo Sang-chul. His 255 games, 35 goals, and 17 assists tell only part of the story. It was his relentless engine and positional mastery that earned him 1997 league MVP and made him a household name at home and abroad.
Dejan Damjanović: The Foreign Phenomenon
In a league historically dominated by domestic stars, Dejan Damjanović tore through defences to become one of the most feared strikers in K League history. Arriving in 2007, Dejan played for Incheon, Seoul, Suwon, and Daegu, racking up 198 goals and 48 assists in 380 appearances — second only to Lee Dong-gook. His dominance from 2010 to 2013 saw him named in the Best XI four consecutive times and crowned MVP and top scorer in 2012. His induction marks a milestone: the first foreign player to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Yoo Sang-chul: The Eternal Warrior
A hero of the 2002 World Cup and a paragon of versatility, the late Yoo Sang-chul remains one of Korea’s most beloved football figures. Capable of playing anywhere on the pitch, Yoo earned Best XI selections as a defender, midfielder, and striker — a testament to his footballing intelligence and physical prowess. His 1998 Golden Boot in the K League was a rare feat for a player who also marshalled the backline. Even after his retirement, Yoo inspired a nation as he battled cancer while coaching Incheon United, symbolising resilience and devotion until his passing in 2021.
Mastermind of Dynasties: Manager Kim Ho
As the architect of Suwon Samsung's rise to power, Kim Ho guided the club to back-to-back league titles in 1998 and 1999 and two consecutive Asian club championships. With 208 victories across three clubs, he ranks third all-time in K League wins. Known for his tactical acumen and player development, Kim’s influence endures in the many stars who blossomed under his guidance and in Suwon’s continued stature as a K League powerhouse.
The Visionary Architect: Chung Mong-joon
Without Chung Mong-joon, the structure of Korean professional football might look very different today. As the founding chairman of the K League from 1994 to 1998 and president of the Korea FA from 1993 to 2009, Chung introduced title sponsorship, regional team expansion, and spearheaded Korea’s successful bid to co-host the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His efforts were instrumental in turning post-tournament enthusiasm into lasting infrastructure, with World Cup stadiums becoming K League club homes. Internationally, his role as a FIFA Vice President elevated Korea’s presence on the global football stage.
An Honour Beyond Time
The 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for September, with inductees or their families receiving commemorative trophies and certificates. The Korean Pro Football League (KPFL) plans to honour these legends through various events throughout the year, including stadium tributes, highlight reels, and digital memorials.
In celebrating these individuals, the K League not only acknowledges the architects of its past but also offers future generations a blueprint for greatness — built on resilience, passion, and unforgettable football.