Song Chong-gug

Song Chong-gug (; born 20 February 1979) is a South Korean former footballer who played as a defender or defensive midfielder. He played for the South Korea national team at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

Playing career Early career In June 2000, Song made his senior international debut against Macedonia under manager Huh Jung-moo when he was a university student. In 2001, Song started his professional career at K League club Busan I'Cons after graduating from Yonsei University. He was named the K League Rookie of the Year in his first season. Guus Hiddink, a new manager of the South Korea national team, quickly chose him as a member of the national team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and tested him in various midfield and defensive positions. As a result, he played as a right-back at the tournament.

While South Korea finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, Song was the only outfield player of the national team to play all of 687 minutes in seven matches. He also nullified Luís Figo perfectly by blocking all twelve of his dribbles without a concession, making a memorable match against Portugal. He sometimes talks about his experience in marking Figo when appearing on South Korean television programs.

Feyenoord After the 2002 World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal approached Busan I'Cons to get Song, but Busan intentionally delayed negotiations in order to keep him. He strongly expressed his intention to leave for a European club by moving his belongings out of the club after his deals with Premier League clubs were scuttled.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings In January 2005, Song joined K League club Suwon Samsung Bluewings after leaving Feyenoord.

Song was selected for the national team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup despite concern about his condition, playing the first group stage match against Togo. He successfully obstructed opponents' striker Emmanuel Adebayor, and provided an assist for teammate Ahn Jung-hwan's winning goal. His performances against Togo were better than expected, but he was excluded from subsequent matches by manager Dick Advocaat.

Song became Suwon's key player after the 2006 World Cup, and received the armband in 2008. He scored the winning goal in the 2008 K League Championship final, leading his team to win a league title.

Retirement Song played for Al-Shabab, Ulsan Hyundai, and Tianjin TEDA after leaving Suwon in the summer of 2010. He was released by Tianjin at the end of the 2011 season, and announced his retirement in March 2012.

Personal life In 2003, Song married Kim Jung-ah to the surprise of many of his fans after dating Kim since April 2001. Before the marriage, he had been linked with multiple celebrities including Lee Jin, a member of a Korean girl band Fin.K.L. He presented a bigger surprise three years later by getting divorced. On 17 December 2006, he married an actress and model Park Yun-soo after an 18-month relationship. The wedding was held privately in front of 100 family and friends. Song became a father six months after the wedding. In October 2015, however, Song once again divorced his wife.

In September 2021, Song signed with DH Entertainment.

Career statistics Club

International

Results list South Korea's goal tally first.

Filmography Television Year Title Role Note(s) 2012 Dancing with the Stars Season 2 Himself 2013–2014 Dad! Where Are We Going? Himself 2020 Let's Play Soccer Himself Episode 48 2022 Gundesliga Himself

Honours Busan I'Cons Korean League Cup runner-up: 2001

Suwon Samsung Bluewings K League 1: 2008 Korean FA Cup: 2009 Korean League Cup: 2005, 2008 Pan-Pacific Championship: 2009

Tianjin TEDA Chinese FA Cup: 2011

South Korea U20 AFC Youth Championship: 1998

South Korea AFC Asian Cup third place: 2007

Individual K League All-Star: 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007 AFC Player of the Month: November 2001 K League Rookie of the Year: 2001