Song Chong-gug (; born 20 February 1979) is a South Korean former footballer who played as a defender or defensive midfielder. He played for the South Korea national team at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

Playing career Early career In June 2000, Song made his senior international debut against Macedonia under manager Huh Jung-moo when he was a university student. In 2001, Song started his professional career at K League club Busan I'Cons after graduating from Yonsei University. He was named the K League Rookie of the Year in his first season. Guus Hiddink, a new manager of the South Korea national team, quickly chose him as a member of the national team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and tested him in various midfield and defensive positions. As a result, he played as a right-back at the tournament.

While South Korea finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, Song was the only outfield player of the national team to play all of 687 minutes in seven matches. He also nullified Luís Figo perfectly by blocking all twelve of his dribbles without a concession, making a memorable match against Portugal. He sometimes talks about his experience in marking Figo when appearing on South Korean television programs.

Feyenoord After the 2002 World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal approached Busan I'Cons to get Song, but Busan intentionally delayed negotiations in order to keep him. He strongly expressed his intention to leave for a European club by moving his belongings out of the club after his deals with Premier League clubs were scuttled. He eventually joined Eredivisie club Feyenoord, and played 56 matches including UEFA Champions League matches for Feyenoord during two seasons under manager Bert van Marwijk. However, his capability regressed due to ankle injuries, and he completely lost his place at the club after Van Marwijk was replaced by Ruud Gullit.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings In January 2005, Song joined K League club Suwon Samsung Bluewings after leaving Feyenoord. In October, he injured his ankle again, and eventually underwent an operation. He came back to the field after five months, with his ability debased largely.

Song was selected for the national team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup despite concern about his condition, playing the first group stage match against Togo. He successfully obstructed opponents' striker Emmanuel Adebayor, and provided an assist for teammate Ahn Jung-hwan's winning goal. His performances against Togo were better than expected, but he was excluded from subsequent matches by manager Dick Advocaat.

Song became Suwon's key player after the 2006 World Cup, and received the armband in 2008. He scored the winning goal in the 2008 K League Championship final, leading his team to win a league title.

Retirement Song played for Al-Shabab, Ulsan Hyundai, and Tianjin TEDA after leaving Suwon in the summer of 2010. He was released by Tianjin at the end of the 2011 season, and announced his retirement in March 2012.

Personal life In 2003, Song married Kim Jung-ah to the surprise of many of his fans after dating Kim since April 2001. Before the marriage, he had been linked with multiple celebrities including Lee Jin, a member of a Korean girl band Fin.K.L. He presented a bigger surprise three years later by getting divorced. On 17 December 2006, he married an actress and model Park Yun-soo after an 18-month relationship. The wedding was held privately in front of 100 family and friends. Song became a father six months after the wedding. In October 2015, however, Song once again divorced his wife.

In September 2021, Song signed with DH Entertainment.

Career statistics Club +Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBusan I'Cons2001K League252??100——3522002K League92??10——102Total344??110——454Feyenoord2002–03Eredivisie18130—60—2712003–04Eredivisie25110—30—2912004–05Eredivisie10000—40—140Total53240—130—702Suwon Samsung Bluewings2005K League900011120002212006K League2304040——3102007K League2402090——3502008K League2321060——3022009K League90102050—1702010K League70103060—170Total95290351130001523Al-Shabab2010–11Saudi Pro League72????30—102Ulsan Hyundai2011K League1301050——190Tianjin Teda2011Chinese Super League14120———161 Career total216111605112900031212

International +Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSouth Korea20002020011412002222200330200480200680200730Career total603

Results list South Korea's goal tally first. +List of international goals scored by Song Chong-gugNo. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 11 February 2001 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1–1 4–1 2001 Dubai Tournament2 19 January 2002 Pasadena, United States 1–1 1–2 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup3 29 June 2002 Daegu, South Korea 2–3 2–3 2002 FIFA World Cup

Filmography Television Year Title Role Note(s) 2012 Dancing with the Stars Season 2 Himself 2013–2014 Dad! Where Are We Going? Himself 2020 Let's Play Soccer Himself Episode 48 2022 Gundesliga Himself

Honours Busan I'Cons Korean League Cup runner-up: 2001

Feyenoord KNVB Cup runner-up: 2002–03

Suwon Samsung Bluewings K League 1: 2008 Korean FA Cup: 2009 Korean League Cup: 2005, 2008 Korean Super Cup: 2005 A3 Champions Cup: 2005 Pan-Pacific Championship: 2009

Tianjin TEDA Chinese FA Cup: 2011

South Korea U20 AFC Youth Championship: 1998

South Korea AFC Asian Cup third place: 2007

Individual K League All-Star: 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007 AFC Player of the Month: November 2001 K League Rookie of the Year: 2001 K League 1 Best XI: 2001 AFC Opta All-time XI at the FIFA World Cup: 2020

References

External links

Song Chong-gug – National Team Stats at KFA

Song Chong-Gug in Ronald Zwiers