Coach Park Hang-seo opens up about his mother

“I remember that I was not a person who did not listen to my mother when I was young. However, due to playing football, I was away from my mother for a long time. Now, I work in Vietnam, so I do not see her often. Although I rarely show it, my mother is always the person I admire the most. I hope she can be healthy to see the youngest son Hang-seo working hard,” Coach Park Hang-seo shared with Joong Ang Ilbo.

He continued, “I’m going back to Korea this time to meet my mother, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 9. It’s been a long time since I’ve returned to my hometown, I’m looking forward to that day.”

Coach Park Hang-seo always gives a lot of love to his mother, Mrs. Baek Soon-jung (Photo: Joong Ang Ilbo)

Mrs. Baek Soon-jung was born in Chukdong-myeon town, Sacheon-si city, Gyeongsangnam-do province. She married Mr. Park Rok, the father of Coach Park Hang-seo in Sancheong city in the same province, gave birth to 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl) and Park Hang-seo is the youngest.

In Mr. Park Rok’s hometown, Mrs. Baek Soon-jung is called “Yojangbu” (meaning strong woman like a man). Coach Park Hang-seo’s father was originally a police officer. At the same time, the Korean War broke out, so Mr. Park had to join the army. During the battle, he was wounded in the leg. Therefore, Ms. Baek had to replace her husband with the main responsibility for the family’s livelihood.

Ms. Baek was also called the “new woman” as she graduated from the prestigious Ilshin Girls’ High School (later Jinju Girls’ High School) at a time when women’s educational attainment was low.

Coach Park Hang-seo revealed, “My mother sent all of her children to study in Seoul, to go to university despite the family’s difficult circumstances. Initially, my mother opened a small pharmacy. Then, studying As the cost of the children increased, she opened a restaurant and even worked as a salt trader. Thanks to my mother, I was able to go to Seoul and learn soccer.”

Mrs. Baek Soon-jung (right) and Mr. Park Rok (left), coach Park Hang-seo’s parents. Photo provided by Coach Park Hang-seo to Joong Ang Ilbo

Family members all agree that “the personality of Coach Park Hang-seo is identical to that of his mother”. During football, Mr. Park always ran a lot until his physical strength was exhausted because he hated to lose. Therefore, he was nicknamed “battery”. Later, becoming a coach, Mr. Park Hang-seo showed even more clearly mother-like characteristics such as leadership based on affection or closeness.

Coach Park added: “As the youngest child, I also sometimes argued with my mother and was scolded many times by my parents. After I became the breadwinner and father, I understood my mother’s heart. I understood why. My mother is very emotional at times, but also very resolute with me at times.

When I went to Vietnam, I used to gather the players and shout together in a half-joking way: “Be filial to your parents”, “Give your parents pocket money” or “Parents like cash. “.

It breaks my heart to see my mother, who used to be full of energy, but now, due to her age, she can no longer remember many things.”

On the evening of June 20, Coach Park Hang-seo and his wife returned to Korea from Vietnam. He spends a lot of time with his family. Besides, Coach Park attended a number of programs serving Vietnam – Korea diplomatic relations, and at the same time, he could not refuse interview invitations from the press and media in his home country.

Recently, in the program “You quiz on the block”, coach Park Hang-seo revealed that he has “panic disorder” and still has to take medicine until now. During his time in Korea, Coach Park Hang-seo was twice shocked and had to go to the emergency room due to a syndrome. The current situation is better.

Coach Park Hang-seo shared about the future: “I manage the national team while thinking about the long-term vision for Vietnamese football in the past 5 years. However, bringing joy to the people by I want to promote Vietnamese football by using the tactical method that I learned from coach Guss Hiddink.

It is expected that we will start negotiating a contract extension in October. I am constantly working to create a legacy before passing it on to my successor. One day someone will take over my role.”

https://sport5.vn/hlv-park-hang-seo-trai-long-ve-me-20220708005614236.htm