Park Seung-wook (27, Kim Cheon-sang-moo) impressed the soccer world in 2024.
Park Seung-wook honed his skills at Dong-Eui University and headed to the Busan Transportation Corporation soccer team in the 2019 K3 League.
Park did not make it to the K League 1 or the K League 2, but he was not frustrated. Park worked diligently to improve his skills. Park, who has been more diligent than anyone else since the training ground, has been given constant opportunities to play in games.
Park Seung-wook said, “I lived with seniors who were involved in K League 1 and K League 2 at Busan Transportation Corporation,” adding, “They were older brothers who were about to retire.”
Park Seung-wook continued, “I learned how to prepare for the game, habits and know-how by watching them one by one in the professional league. In particular, I gained a lot from (An) Jae-hoon, who worked as a central defender. I was able to grow further by learning Jae-hoon’s seasoned game management skills and how to handle balls. Jae-hoon even helped me out as if it was his job if I was curious about anything. It was a time when he really grew up.”
Ahn Jae-hoon was a defender who played for Daegu FC, Suwon FC, Sangju Sangmu (the predecessor of Kim Cheon-sang), and Seoul E-Land FC. Ahn played in 154 K-League matches (two goals and two assists) and 41 K-League matches.
Park Seung-wook, who showed rapid growth, had an opportunity.
It was the summer of 2021 when FC Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong was at the helm of the Pohang Steelers. Coach Kim Ki-dong was impressed by Park Seung-wook’s play in a practice game against Busan Transportation Corporation. On July 6 of that year, Park Seung-wook wore a Pohang uniform. Park Seung-wook, who played in the K3 League, has headed to Pohang, a prestigious K-League 1 team.
Park Seung-wook was a prepared player. He did not miss the opportunity that came to him.
Park scored one goal in 19 matches in the second half of the K League 1 in the 2021 season. Park also played a key role in Pohang in the 2022 and 2023 seasons (29 assists in 29 matches) and (1 goal and 1 assist in 32 matches).
Park joined the military after the 2023 season. And the 2024 season marked the beginning of Park’s leap from Gimcheon commerce again.
Park Seung-wook said, “I definitely caught myself as a central defender in Gimcheon,” and added, “Playing as a central defender has brought out several advantages.”
“I’ve been doing a lot of weight training since I joined the military. As I’ve gained muscle mass and weight, I feel that I’ve become more comfortable when competing with powerful players,” he said.
Park’s performance is evidenced by records. Park had two assists in 32 K League 1 games during the 2024 season. In the second half of the 2024 season, he took the lead as vice-captain in recognition of his leadership. Park often played games wearing the captain’s armband in place of Kim Min-deok, who was pushed back from the competition to become the starting member.
Gimcheon ranked third in the K-League 1 in the 2024 season thanks to Park Seung-wook’s performance both on and off the ground. Gimcheon competed with Ulsan HD and Gangwon FC until the end of this season. The third place in the K-League is Gimcheon’s best performance.
Park was named one of the top 11 players in the K League 1 this season. Park was named the best central defender this season with Kim Ki-hee, the Ulsan captain who had been at the center of the K League 1’s three consecutive losses.
Park Seung-wook expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s my first time receiving an award,” adding, “It’s thanks to coach Chung Jung-yong who allowed me to grow into a better player in Gimcheon and coach Kim Ki-dong who gave me a chance as a professional soccer player.” 안전놀이터
Park did not just receive this year’s award. Park also added the national flag, which is the dream of every Korean player.
Park made his A-match debut on June 6 in an away match against Singapore for the second Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. Park also played in a home game against China on June 11.