Lee Dong-gook
Overview
Lee Dong-gook (born April 29, 1979) is a former South Korean football player who played as a striker. He holds the record as the all-time top scorer in the K League with 228 goals, and scored 33 goals for the national team, earning recognition as an iconic figure in Korean football. His nickname is 'Lion King', known for his powerful physique and decisive finishing style.
Main Content
Early Life and Debut
Lee Dong-gook was born in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and started football at Pohang Jecheol Elementary School, Pohang Jecheol Middle School, and Pohang Jecheol High School (now Pohang Steelers youth team). He began his professional career by joining Pohang Steelers in 1998, stood out from his debut season, and won the 1998 K League Rookie of the Year award. His excellent physical condition (185cm, 80kg) and goal-scoring ability quickly drew attention.
National Team Career
Lee Dong-gook made his A-match debut in a friendly match against Jamaica in May 1998. For the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, he was called up by coach Guus Hiddink and included in the final squad, but due to injury, he could not make a significant impact. He later participated in the 2006 Germany World Cup and the 2010 South Africa World Cup; notably, in the 2010 World Cup, he scored a header in the group stage match against Greece, contributing to the team's advancement to the round of 16. He recorded 33 goals in 105 A-match appearances.
Club Career
Lee Dong-gook played for Pohang Steelers (1998-2000, 2005-2008) in two stints, and had a loan spell at Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga (2001-2002), but did not achieve much due to injury. He also played for Middlesbrough in the English Premier League (2007-2008), but failed to secure a starting position. After moving to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2009, he entered his prime. At Jeonbuk, he led the team to K League titles in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and contributed to the 2016 AFC Champions League victory. In particular, he had his best season in 2014, winning the K League MVP.
Retirement and Records
Lee Dong-gook retired at the end of the 2020 season, holding the K League all-time scoring record with 228 goals. This record remains unbroken as of 2024, cementing his status as a K League legend. After retirement, he has been active as a football commentator and broadcaster, engaging with the public.
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, Lee Dong-gook actively communicates with fans through football commentary and his YouTube channel 'Lee Dong-gook TV'. His YouTube channel, featuring football analysis, daily vlogs, and family interaction content, has gained popularity, surpassing 1 million subscribers. In 2024, he was inducted into the K League Hall of Fame and is actively involved in mentoring younger players. His daughters Lee Jae-si, Lee Jae-ah, Lee Seol-ah, Lee Soo-ah (twins), and son Lee Si-an frequently appear on broadcasts, receiving much love as the 'Lee Dong-gook family'. In 2025, he is scheduled to present a special award at the K League 40th anniversary event.
Related Topics
- [[K League]]
- [[Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors]]
- [[South Korea national football team]]
- [[Pohang Steelers]]
- [[2002 FIFA World Cup]]
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