21st Anniversary "Night of Support" on November 25, 2025
President Song Chunyeol: "Fulfilling the Wish of a National Team Legend"
Jeong Yonghwan Passed Away 10 Years Ago After Nurturing Young Talent
The Jeong Yonghwan Youth Football Scholarship Foundation will host the "2025 Jeong Yonghwan Youth Football Scholarship Foundation Night of Support," aiming to expand support for local youth football. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on November 25 at Iris Wedding Buffet in Busan.
The foundation continues its scholarship and support programs to honor the dedication and spirit of the late player Jeong Yonghwan and to nurture the next generation of football talent.
Jeong Yonghwan was a legendary defender who represented South Korean football in the 1980s and 1990s. Born in Gijang in 1960, he was selected for the national youth team in 1979 and played for the national team from 1983 to 1994, setting a record of 100 international appearances. He participated in the 1986 Mexico World Cup and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, played 168 matches in the K League, and led his team to three championships. He was named K League MVP in 1991 and was awarded Best Asian Defender in 1992.
After retirement, he dedicated himself to the development of football in Busan and to fostering youth football, before passing away in June 2015.
Since 2004, the foundation has operated a supporters' association in Jeong Yonghwan's name, continuing its activities to support youth football. This year's event will also include awards from the superintendent of education, support for promising players, and recognition of outstanding coaches.
The superintendent's awards will go to Kwon Daeyoung (2nd grade) from Nakmin Elementary School and Kim Jeongwoo (4th grade) from Annam Elementary School. The recipient of football gear for promising players is Kim Chanho of Deokcheon SC, who was selected for Korea's U-13 Golden Age team.
In addition, the "Jeong Yonghwan Award" will be presented to Kim Kyunggu of the Gijang County Football Club, and the Outstanding Coach Award will go to Baek Youngheum, director of YH Football Academy. The letter of appreciation from the Busan Metropolitan Council chairperson will be given to foundation vice presidents Kim Yongshik and Heo Gwangyeong. The Busan Football Association will present letters of appreciation to foundation vice presidents Jin Yeonggap and Yoo Iyeong.
BNK Busan Bank is scheduled to donate 10 million won to the foundation on this day. Busan IPark Football Club will also sponsor football equipment worth 2 million won. Lee Hando, who received the 3rd Jeong Yonghwan Award during his youth, will donate 1 million won back to the foundation, bringing smiles to many. Additionally, Kim Youngmyeong, CEO of Seongsan FTC, has pledged a donation of 1 million won. Busan IPark supporters have also raised 550,000 won for the event.
The event will be attended by politicians and officials from both local and central institutions. Lee Heonseung, National Assembly member for Busanjin-gu-eul, will be present. Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae Soo, and National Assembly members Baek Jongheon and Jeong Dongman will send congratulatory messages and video greetings. Busan Metropolitan Council chairperson An Seongmin, Gijang County Governor Jeong Jongbok, and Busan City Special Political Advisor Gyeong Yunho are also on the list of attendees.
Lieutenant General Kim Hansun, former commander of the 53rd Infantry Division, Kang Mingu, CEO of Busan IPark Professional Football Club, and Kim Youngmin, CEO of Gijang County Football Club, will also be present.
Figures from the football community will also participate. Coach Kim Ho (inducted into the 2025 Professional Football Hall of Fame in the coaching category), Coach Choi Jinhan (the first coach of the Gijang County Football Club), and Jeong Jaegwon, Technical Director of Incheon United FC, are scheduled to attend. Busan IPark head coach Cho Seonghwan will also be present.
Song Chunyeol, president of the foundation, emphasized, "We will continue to support local youth so they can pursue greater dreams, carrying on the spirit of Jeong Yonghwan."
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