Background and career
Hong Myung-bo (Korean: 홍명보, Hanja: 洪明甫; Korean: [hoŋmjʌŋbo]; born 12 February 1969) is a former South Korean football manager and former footballer who played as a sweeper. He was most recently the head coach of the South Korea national football team.
He participated at four consecutive FIFA World Cups between 1990 and 2002, becoming the first Asian player to do so. He also received the Bronze Ball at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Asian to receive an individual award at the World Cup. He received some votes in elections for the FIFA World Player of the Year, finishing 21st in 1996 and 17th in 2002. In 2004, he was selected for the FIFA 100 by Pelé.
