Lee Chung-Yong
Encyclopedia
Lee Chung-Yong is a South Korean footballer who plays for Premier League club Bolton Wanderers and the South Korean national team. His nickname, Blue Dragon, is a transliteration of his given name "Chung-Yong" derived from Hanja
, 청용(靑龍). Lee is widely regarded as one of the top young South Korean footballing prospects.
In January 2009, Lee was named as one of the top 50 rising stars in football by the British daily newspaper, The Times
.
, currently FC Seoul
in its modern incarnation, then manager Cho Kwang-Rae
began focusing on developing a youth academy within the team. Lee, who, at the time, was attending Dobong Middle School caught the eye of a scout and manager Cho decided to attend his match. After the first half, he was certain Lee had a massive potential, and decided to sign him on the spot. Subsequently, Lee dropped out of the school and joined FC Seoul. Dropping out of middle school could mean a lot later in his life since Korea does not draft middle school dropouts for its military. For the next several years, Lee honed his skills in the FC Seoul reserves along with close friend and international teammate Ki Sung-Yong
.
In 2007, Şenol Güneş
, famous for coaching the 3rd placed Turkey national squad in the 2002 World Cup
, joined FC Seoul as manager. After watching Ki Sung-Yueng and Lee Chung-Yong carefully, he recognized both players' significant abilities and aimed to use them as important elements in the FC Seoul senior first-team. That season, Lee Chung-Yong began to break into the first team, playing in 15 league matches and scoring 3 goals.
The following year, in 2008, he cemented his place as a regular for FC Seoul, playing 22 league matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 6 assists. Both he and Ki Sung-Yong won many domestic league fans for their exciting link-up play and terrific individual qualities so much so that they were both given the affectionate moniker "Ssang Yong" or "Double Dragon", a play on their given names.
In the 2009 season, Lee continued his rampant form and he completed a hat-trick of assists in the opening game of the season against Chunnam Dragons
on 7 March 2009. On 4 April 2009, he scored the winning goal in a match against Seoul's fierce rival, Suwon Samsung Bluewings
.
. A statement from FC Seoul said: "The contract will be signed officially after a work permit is issued." On 29 July 2009, it was announced that he had been granted a work permit allowing him to complete a £2.2m transfer from FC Seoul. He had already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract with Bolton the previous week and also underwent a successful medical. The transfer was officially confirmed on the 14th of August 2009, Lee was reported as stating "I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and cannot wait to play my first game for my new club." With Gary Megson
's dismissal in December 2009, he became his last full signing for the club.
He made his first Bolton appearance on 15 August 2009 when coming on as a substitute for Gavin McCann
in the 1–0 defeat against Sunderland
at the Reebok Stadium
and scored his first goal, the winning goal of the match in a 2–1 victory against Birmingham City
on 26 September. He was named Man of the Match
in the match against Tottenham Hotspur
, providing teammate Ricardo Gardner
with an assist. As a result of these good performances, Lee was named in the ESPN Soccernet Team of the Week twice in a row. His terrific form for his rookie season continued weeks later, after the international break, as he assisted Ivan Klasnic's first goal in the 3–3 draw against Manchester City
at the Reebok Stadium
. He was consequently named 'Man of the Match' by Sky Sports for his significant attacking presence and dribbling prowess: "The South Korean was a constant thorn in City's side and looks to be a real find for Gary Megson."
At the end of his first season, Lee won a triumvirate of awards including Bolton Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and best newcomer awards. There was interest from Liverpool after the 2010 FIFA World Cup
, but Lee stated that it was likely that he would remain at Bolton for the 2010–11 Premier League, and on 25 November he signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2013.
During a pre-season friendly against Newport County
on 30 July 2011, Lee suffered a broken leg after a challenge from Tom Miller
. It was initially reported that the injury would rule Lee out for a minimum of nine months, but by early September, Bolton were hopeful that the player would return by early 2012.
. Despite impressing against quality opposition including USA, Pato-led Brazil, and Poland, South Korea failed to make the cut for the next round. His individual performances, however, were enough to impress many neutrals and rumored to have caught the eye of many European scouts.
After his U-20 tenure, Lee Chung-Yong was part of the unsuccessful 2008 Beijing Olympics U-23 national team. His first under-23 match was against Syria
in Damascus
, October 17, 2007.
On May 31, 2008, Lee was given his national team debut by manager Huh Jung-Moo
in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification
match against Jordan
. He would score his first national team goal against the same team in the return leg at home on September 5, 2008 in Seoul World Cup Stadium
. Lee Chung-Yong was one of the most consistent and important players in South Korea's successful seventh consecutive qualification for the World Cup
and eighth overall, an Asian record.
On June 17, 2010, Lee scored an injury time goal in the first half against Argentina
in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. Lee scored again in the round of 16 match against Uruguay
in South Korea's 2–1 defeat. He was named in the top 10 rising stars of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
by Sports Illustrated
.
who plays for local rivals Manchester United
. Lee is known to Bolton team-mates as "Chungy."
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
, 청용(靑龍). Lee is widely regarded as one of the top young South Korean footballing prospects.
In January 2009, Lee was named as one of the top 50 rising stars in football by the British daily newspaper, The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
.
Club career
Lee Chung-Yong's football career started at the age of 11. Although considered to have started too late by some, his enormous talent was evident and his reputation grew among the Seoul youth football development community.FC Seoul
In 2003, Anyang LG CheetahsAnyang LG Cheetahs
Anyang LG Cheetahs was a South Korean football club located in Anyang, Gyeonggi. It was owned and managed by GS Sports, a subsidiary of GS Group. The club was considered a powerhouse in the K-League...
, currently FC Seoul
FC Seoul
FC Seoul is a South Korean professional football club based in Seoul, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. It is currently owned by GS Sports, a subsidiary of GS Group....
in its modern incarnation, then manager Cho Kwang-Rae
Cho Kwang-Rae
Cho Kwang-Rae is a South Korean football manager, who managed Anyang LG Cheetahs formerly. Now, he is managing South Korea after succeeding Huh Jung Moo, who led Korea to the round of 16 for the first time in foreign soil in 2010 World Cup in South Africa.- Club career :*1978–1979 POSCO -...
began focusing on developing a youth academy within the team. Lee, who, at the time, was attending Dobong Middle School caught the eye of a scout and manager Cho decided to attend his match. After the first half, he was certain Lee had a massive potential, and decided to sign him on the spot. Subsequently, Lee dropped out of the school and joined FC Seoul. Dropping out of middle school could mean a lot later in his life since Korea does not draft middle school dropouts for its military. For the next several years, Lee honed his skills in the FC Seoul reserves along with close friend and international teammate Ki Sung-Yong
Ki Sung-Yong
Ki Sung-Yeung , also known as Ki Sung-Yong, is a South Korean professional footballer who currently plays as a central midfielder for Scottish Premier League club Celtic and the South Korea national team....
.
In 2007, Şenol Güneş
Senol Günes
Şenol Güneş is a former Turkish footballer, manager and philosopher. His biggest accomplishment to date is coaching the Turkey that won the bronze medal in the 2002 World Cup. Güneş is married and has two children.-Career:...
, famous for coaching the 3rd placed Turkey national squad in the 2002 World Cup
2002 World Cup
2002 World Cup may refer to:*Alpine skiing – 2002 Alpine Skiing World Cup*Athletics – 2002 IAAF World Cup*Field Hockey:** 2002 Men's World Hockey Cup** 2002 Women's World Hockey Cup...
, joined FC Seoul as manager. After watching Ki Sung-Yueng and Lee Chung-Yong carefully, he recognized both players' significant abilities and aimed to use them as important elements in the FC Seoul senior first-team. That season, Lee Chung-Yong began to break into the first team, playing in 15 league matches and scoring 3 goals.
The following year, in 2008, he cemented his place as a regular for FC Seoul, playing 22 league matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 6 assists. Both he and Ki Sung-Yong won many domestic league fans for their exciting link-up play and terrific individual qualities so much so that they were both given the affectionate moniker "Ssang Yong" or "Double Dragon", a play on their given names.
In the 2009 season, Lee continued his rampant form and he completed a hat-trick of assists in the opening game of the season against Chunnam Dragons
Chunnam Dragons
Chunnam Dragons is a football club founded in 1995 in the Korean city of Gwangyang, which joined the K-League for the 1995 season at the same time as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, their Jeolla province rivals.-History:...
on 7 March 2009. On 4 April 2009, he scored the winning goal in a match against Seoul's fierce rival, Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings is a South Korean football club based in the city of Suwon, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. Founded in December 1995, they have become one of Asian football's most famous clubs with a host of domestic and continental honours...
.
Bolton Wanderers
FC Seoul confirmed that Lee Chung-Yong had agreed a deal to join Premier League side Bolton WanderersBolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
. A statement from FC Seoul said: "The contract will be signed officially after a work permit is issued." On 29 July 2009, it was announced that he had been granted a work permit allowing him to complete a £2.2m transfer from FC Seoul. He had already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract with Bolton the previous week and also underwent a successful medical. The transfer was officially confirmed on the 14th of August 2009, Lee was reported as stating "I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and cannot wait to play my first game for my new club." With Gary Megson
Gary Megson
Gary John Megson is an English former football player and is currently manager of Sheffield Wednesday.He has previously managed Norwich City, Blackpool, Stockport County, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers...
's dismissal in December 2009, he became his last full signing for the club.
He made his first Bolton appearance on 15 August 2009 when coming on as a substitute for Gavin McCann
Gavin McCann
Gavin Peter McCann is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder. He has one England cap to his name, playing against Spain at Villa Park in 2001.-Club career:...
in the 1–0 defeat against Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
and scored his first goal, the winning goal of the match in a 2–1 victory against Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
on 26 September. He was named Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
in the match against Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
, providing teammate Ricardo Gardner
Ricardo Gardner
Ricardo Gardner is a Jamaican footballer who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers. He is naturally a left winger but can also play in the centre of midfield or at left wingback.-Early career:...
with an assist. As a result of these good performances, Lee was named in the ESPN Soccernet Team of the Week twice in a row. His terrific form for his rookie season continued weeks later, after the international break, as he assisted Ivan Klasnic's first goal in the 3–3 draw against Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
. He was consequently named 'Man of the Match' by Sky Sports for his significant attacking presence and dribbling prowess: "The South Korean was a constant thorn in City's side and looks to be a real find for Gary Megson."
At the end of his first season, Lee won a triumvirate of awards including Bolton Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and best newcomer awards. There was interest from Liverpool after the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
, but Lee stated that it was likely that he would remain at Bolton for the 2010–11 Premier League, and on 25 November he signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2013.
During a pre-season friendly against Newport County
Newport County A.F.C.
Newport County Association Football Club are a professional football club based in the city of Newport, south Wales, who currently play in the Conference National, the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
on 30 July 2011, Lee suffered a broken leg after a challenge from Tom Miller
Tom Miller (footballer born 1990)
Tom Miller is an English football player who currently plays for .-Career:Miller, a defender or midfielder, started his youth career at amateur side Littleport Town. He moved to Ipswich Town before joining local rivals Norwich City...
. It was initially reported that the injury would rule Lee out for a minimum of nine months, but by early September, Bolton were hopeful that the player would return by early 2012.
International career
Lee's international career started as part of the South Korea national under-20 football team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the sixteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup , hosted by Canada from June 30 to July 22, 2007. Argentina defeated Czech Republic in the title game by the score of 2–1, thus managing a back-to-back world title, its fifth in the past seven editions, and sixth...
. Despite impressing against quality opposition including USA, Pato-led Brazil, and Poland, South Korea failed to make the cut for the next round. His individual performances, however, were enough to impress many neutrals and rumored to have caught the eye of many European scouts.
After his U-20 tenure, Lee Chung-Yong was part of the unsuccessful 2008 Beijing Olympics U-23 national team. His first under-23 match was against Syria
Syria national football team
The Syria national football team represents Syria in association football and is controlled by the Syrian Football Association, the governing body for football in Syria. Syria's home grounds are Abbasiyyin Stadium and Aleppo International Stadium...
in Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
, October 17, 2007.
On May 31, 2008, Lee was given his national team debut by manager Huh Jung-Moo
Huh Jung-Moo
Huh Jung-Moo is a former Korean football player and currently manages Incheon United.-Football career:Huh played for PSV Eindhoven and Hyundai Horang-i as midfielder...
in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
match against Jordan
Jordan national football team
The Jordan national football team is the national team of Jordan and is controlled by the Jordan Football Association...
. He would score his first national team goal against the same team in the return leg at home on September 5, 2008 in Seoul World Cup Stadium
Seoul World Cup Stadium
The Seoul World Cup Stadium, also known as Sangam Stadium, is located in Seongsan, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It was built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and opened in 2001. It was designed to represent the image of a traditional Korean kite...
. Lee Chung-Yong was one of the most consistent and important players in South Korea's successful seventh consecutive qualification for the World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
and eighth overall, an Asian record.
On June 17, 2010, Lee scored an injury time goal in the first half against Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. Lee scored again in the round of 16 match against Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
in South Korea's 2–1 defeat. He was named in the top 10 rising stars of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
by Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
.
Club career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Continental | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| FC Seoul FC Seoul FC Seoul is a South Korean professional football club based in Seoul, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. It is currently owned by GS Sports, a subsidiary of GS Group.... |
2006 K-League 2006 The 2006 season of the K-League kicked off on March 12. The season and playoff format will be the same as the one used in the 2005 season. The playoff fixtures are set to take place in early November, with the Final being played on two legs in late November.... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | ||||||
| 4 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| 2007 K-League 2007 The 2007 season of the K-League kicked off on March 3. The league's previous split-season format was replaced by a combined 26-game single-season schedule. Each team will play 26 matches consisting of a home and away fixture against every other team. After all games have been played, the top 6... |
15 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 5 | |||||||
| 25 | 3 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
| 2008 K-League 2008 The 2008 season of the K-League kicked off on March 8. The season and playoff format will be the same as the one used in the 2007 season. The playoff fixtures are set to take place in late November, with the Final being played on two legs in early December.... |
22 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |||||||
| 26 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
| 2009 K-League 2009 The 2009 edition of the K-League is the twenty-seventh since its establishment in 1983. Suwon Samsung Bluewings are the defending champions, having won their fourth title. The season began on March 7, 2009... |
15 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 3 | 7 | |
| Total | 54 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 78 | 12 | 20 | |
| Bolton Wanderers | 2009–10 | 34 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | ||||||
| 40 | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| 2010–11 | 31 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 36 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| 2011-12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 65 | 7 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | |||||||
| 76 | 9 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
| Career total | 119 | 18 | 24 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 153 | 21 | 36 | |
Individual
- K-League Cup Top AssisterK-League Top Assister AwardThe K-League Top Assitor Award has been awarded since the 1983 season to K-League regular season and K-League Cup assists leader.-K-League Regular Season Winners:- K-League Cup Winners:- R-League Winners:- See also:* K-League MVP Award...
: 2007 - K-League Best XIK-League Best XIThe K-League Best XI is an acknowledgement of the best eleven players in the league in a given season for K-League-Winners:- See also:* K-League MVP Award* K-League Players' Player of the Year* K-League Top Scorer Award* K-League Top Assistor Award...
: 2008 - Bolton Player of the Year : 2010
- Bolton Players' Player of the Year : 2010
- Bolton Best Newcomer Award : 2010
- North West Premier League Player of the Year : 2009–10
International caps
- Statistics correct as of matches played 25 March 2011
Year International
CompetitionFriendlies Total Notes App Goals Assists App Goals Assists App Goals Assists 2008 5 0 3 3 2 1 8 2 4 2010 WCQ (AFC) 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)The Asian Football Confederation was allocated four assured qualifying berths for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and one place in a play-off. 43 teams were in the running for these spots; Laos, Brunei and the Philippines did not attempt to qualify...2009 5 0 1 6 0 4 11 0 5 2010 WCQ (AFC) 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)The Asian Football Confederation was allocated four assured qualifying berths for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and one place in a play-off. 43 teams were in the running for these spots; Laos, Brunei and the Philippines did not attempt to qualify...2010 4 2 0 8 1 0 12 3 0 2010 WC 2010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...2011 6 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 2011 AC 2011 AFC Asian CupThe 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar on 7–29 January 2011. It was the fifteenth time the tournament has been held, and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar, the other being the 1988 AFC Asian Cup...Total 20 2 5 18 3 5 38 5 10
International goals
- Results list South Korea's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. September 5, 2008 
SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
1–0 1–0 Friendly match 2. November 14, 2008 
DohaDohaDoha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf, it had a population of 998,651 in 2008, and is also one of the municipalities of Qatar...
1–0 1–1 Friendly match 3. May 16, 2010 SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
2–0 2–0 Friendly match 4. June 17, 2010 
JohannesburgJohannesburgJohannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
1–2 1–4 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...5. June 26, 2010 Port Elizabeth 1–1 1–2 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
Personal life
Lee and his girlfriend attended the same middle school. Lee dislikes drinking and smoking, and even refrains from drinking coffee. He currently spends 2–3 hours a day studying English and also attends English classes. Since moving to the UK, Lee has developed a closer friendship with his national team captain Park Ji-SungPark Ji-Sung
Park Ji-Sung is a South Korean footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Manchester United. He was also the captain of the South Korean national team until his retirement from international football...
who plays for local rivals Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. Lee is known to Bolton team-mates as "Chungy."