Kim Sung-gan was a prominent football player and manager, known for his contributions to both Japanese and South Korean football.
He played five matches for the Japan national team during the Japanese occupation of Korea, including one official match.
Kim won the Emperor's Cup in 1935 while playing for Kyungsung FC, marking a significant achievement in his early career.
Biography
Early Life
Kim Sung-gan was born in Pyongyang, known at the time as "Heijō," in 1912. He began his journey in sports during his elementary school years, where he developed a passion for football. After graduating from middle school, he played for Yonhi College and later for Kyungsung FC, where he achieved notable success, including winning the Emperor's Cup in 1935.
Playing Career
During a tumultuous period in Korean history, Kim represented the Japan national football team from 1939 to 1940, playing in five matches, including one official match. His career as a forward was marked by his contributions to the sport during the Japanese occupation of Korea, showcasing his talent on an international stage despite the challenging circumstances.
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Kim transitioned into coaching and became an executive of the Korean Football Association. His most significant achievement came when he managed the South Korean national team to victory in the inaugural AFC Asian Cup in 1956, solidifying his legacy in Korean football.
Personal Life and Legacy
In addition to football, Kim was active in other sports, including soft tennis and basketball, participating in various tournaments during his youth. His son, Kim Yeong-il, followed in his athletic footsteps, becoming a national basketball player and competing in two Summer Olympics. Tragically, Kim Sung-gan's life ended in a traffic collision in the United States on May 29, 1984, but his contributions to Korean football continue to be remembered and celebrated.
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Career & Clubs
Born in Pyongyang (known at the time as "Heijō"), Kim started playing football when he was in elementary school. He played mostly for Yonhi College and Kyungsung FC after graduating from middle school. He won the 1935 Emperor's Cup, while playing for Kyungsung FC. He also played for Japan national team in five matches from 1939 to 1940 including one official match.
Kim became a coach and an executive of the Korean FA after retiring as a player, and led South Korea to become inaugural champions at the AFC Asian Cup when being appointed manager.
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1940–1940)
Personal
Kim played soft tennis and basketball for a short while in early life. He participated in the All Joseon Soft Tennis Tournament in 1927, while playing soft tennis at Suncheon Shinsung Middle School. He played for basketball team "Nongwoo" (which meant "Basketball Friends") in the Pyongyang Basketball League in 1933 before transferring to Yonhi College. Kim's son Kim Yeong-il was a Korean national basketball player, who participated in two Summer Olympics and won two major Asian titles (1969 ABC Championship and 1970 Asian Games). Yeong-il was found dead with his blood and head wounds near a railway on 23 May 1976. Kim died on 29 May 1984, in a traffic collision in the United States.
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1940–1940
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Japanese and South Korean association football player (1912-1984)
Kim Sung-gan was a South Korean football player and manager. He played 5 matches for the Japan national team when Korea was ruled by Japan, including 1 official match. He was the manager of the South Korean football team that won the 1956 AFC Asian Cup.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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