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Galaxy Land Hong Myung Bo

Hong Myung Bo becomes the first Korean player in MLS as he joins the L.A. Galaxy

PASADENA, CA (Monday, November 4, 2002) – The Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer have acquired the rights to Korean defender Hong Myung Bo, it was announced today by Galaxy Vice President/General Manager Doug Hamilton. Hong, the first Korean player in MLS history, joins the Galaxy from his club team the Pohang Steelers in Korea’s K-League. No financial terms of the MLS contract were announced.

“As one of the top 25 rated soccer teams in the world, the Galaxy clearly are not only building a team to capture the domestic marketplace but are continuing to assemble a team with major international appeal,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, President AEG. “Because of his ties to soccer, his strong desire to play in the United States and his strong commitment to being a visionary leader for the growth of Korean soccer in the United States and the growth of the Galaxy in Asia, Hong Myung Bo was a natural fit for the Galaxy.”

The move provides the Galaxy with an experienced international defender, who is known for a no-nonsense, self-assured approach and a keen eye for distribution out of the back. Hong will not be eligible to join the Galaxy until the end of the 2002 season and is expect to with the club for preseason training camp next year.

“We are pleased to welcome Hong Myung Bo to Los Angeles and to the Galaxy family,” said Hamilton. “ His proven experience and commitment to the sport will undoubtedly benefit our organization both on and off the field. We thank the Korean American community in Southern California for their support in helping us make this transaction possible.”

A veteran of four World Cup finals (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002), Hong made his most significant impact by helping lead the Korean National Team to the semifinals and a fourth place finish at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, playing in all seven games.

“I am thrilled and honored to be the first Korean to play in the MLS, and for the passionate Southern California soccer fans'' said Hong from Korea. “I want to be a part of making the L.A. Galaxy and Major League Soccer one of the most recognized clubs and leagues in the world.”

The 6-0, 161-pound Hong was awarded the adidas Bronze Ball for his outstanding performance during the World Cup finishing just behind Oliver Kahn and Ronaldo. Hong made his international debut in 1990 on February 4 vs. Norway, and went on to become a member of the South Korea squad that participated in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.

The 33-year-old Hong, who began his professional career with the Pohang Steelers in 1992, became a fixture in the Korean League (K League). He earned MVP honors in 1992 and was named to the League Best Eleven in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

“One of the things that drew us towards Hong, just like it did toward Carlos Ruiz, was the desire to be here. He wants to be a part of the L.A. Galaxy,” said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “Hong has shown good leadership capabilities wherever he has played, which is underlined by him being captain with his team in the J-League and with the Korean National Team in his fourth World Cup. We expect those leadership qualities to be of great benefit to the Galaxy.”

Following a series of outstanding performances for both club and country, Hong switched to Japan's J-League and Belmare Hirasseuka in 1997. He led the club to an Asian Club Championship, before moving on to Kashiwa Reysol. In 1999, Hong was named J-League Most Valuable Player.

In 2000, Hong became the first-ever Korean to captain a Japanese club with Kashiwa Reysol of the J-League. He rejoined the Pohang Steelers of Korea’s K-League in 2001.

Hong becomes the Galaxy’s 11th all-time Allocation following Luis Hernandez (2000), Marvin Quijano (1999 Pro-40), DaMarcus Beasley (1999 Pro-40) Jaime Caicedo Estupinan (1998), Martin Machon (1997), Jorge Campos (1996), Dan Calichman (1996), Mauricio Cienfuegos (1996), Eduardo Hurtado (1996) and Cobi Jones (1996). Cienfuegos and Jones are the only Allocated Players who are still with the squad.

HONG MYUNG BO

Position: Defender

Height: 5-11

Weight: 161

Date of Birth: February 12, 1969

Citizenship: Korea Republic

International Appearances: 135

International Goals: 9

First International Cap: February 4, 1990 vs. Norway

Last Club: Pohang Steelers (Korea)

Former Clubs: Pohang Steelers (KOR: 1992-97, 2001-2002), Bellmare Hirasseuka (JAP: 1997-98), Kashiwa Reysol (1999-2001)

Source: mlsnet.com

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