Background and career
Lee Chun-soo (Korean: 이천수; born 9 July 1981) is a South Korean former professional footballer who played as a winger and attacking midfielder. He was known for his pace, dribbling ability, and proficiency at free kicks.
Lee began his professional career with Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i in 2002, winning the K League Rookie of the Year award. In 2003, he became the first South Korean to join a La Liga club when he signed for Real Sociedad. After a loan spell at Numancia, he returned to Ulsan in 2005, helping the club win the league title and winning the league's MVP award. He subsequently played for Feyenoord and clubs in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, finishing his career at Incheon United in 2015.
Lee scored 10 goals in 78 appearances for South Korea between 2000 and 2008. He appeared in all seven matches as the team reached the semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he scored a free kick against Togo in South Korea's first World Cup victory outside their own country. He also competed at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics and helped South Korea finish third at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
Lee was known for his outspoken manner and confrontational behavior during his playing career, which was also marked by disciplinary suspensions and disputes with clubs. After retirement, he worked in football administration and became a television personality and football commentator. As of 2021, he also runs the YouTube channel Richunsu.
