Not a Former Player: Dongmyung University Student Achieves Rare Completion of KFA Class 3 Referee Certification

Kim Sungjoo, First-Year Student in the Department of Football,
Successfully Passes All Referee Certification Stages from Class 5 to Class 3

Kim Sungjoo, a first-year student in the Department of Football at Dongmyung University, recently obtained the Class 3 football referee certificate administered by the Korea Football Association (KFA). It is considered rare for a general student, rather than a former player, to pass all stages of referee certification from Class 5 to Class 4 and then to Class 3.

Kim Sungjoo chose the path of a referee without any player experience. After acquiring the Class 5 referee certification, he consistently gained practical experience by participating in local amateur tournaments and various recreational sports matches, thereby improving his match management skills and understanding of the rules. As a result, he successfully advanced to Class 4 and then to Class 3 in succession. Among referee training officials, he is regarded as "an exemplary case of rapid growth based on field experience."

Even during school breaks, he postponed taking a rest and participated in various regional tournaments, performing both as an assistant referee and as a main referee, systematically accumulating practical experience. A department official commented, "It is impressive that he overcame the lack of practical experience, which is considered the biggest limitation for general students, through his own efforts."

Kim Sungjoo stated, "I realized on the field that a referee's role is not simply to make decisions, but to manage the flow and atmosphere of the game," adding, "I want to experience more matches and grow into a reliable main referee."

Jin Daekeun, head of the Department of Football at Dongmyung University, said, "It is very unusual for a general student without a player background to complete all stages of referee certification in such a short period," and added, "The Department of Football at Dongmyung University is committed to nurturing professional talent through practical, career-oriented education that supports not only players but also referees, coaches, analysts, and administrators."

This year, the Department of Football at Dongmyung University produced a total of four KFA Class 3 referees, including Kim Sungjoo, continuing its achievements in fostering professional talent in the field of refereeing. The department's field-oriented educational support is being recognized as a key factor in these results.