The son of the late Yoo Sang-chul, a hero of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, expressed gratitude on behalf of his father, calling it "an award to be shared with everyone who loved my father."
Yoo Sang-chul was selected as an inductee in the player category at the second K League Hall of Fame induction ceremony held at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Jongno District, Seoul, on the 16th. Established in 2023, the "K League Hall of Fame" selects inductees every two years in three categories—players (STARS), coaches (LEADERS), and contributors (HONORS)—to honor the achievements of those who have contributed to the development of Korean professional soccer and to etch their names in the history of the K League.
Accepting the honor on behalf of Yoo Sang-chul, his son Yoo Sun-woo said, "To all the fans and soccer officials who supported and loved my father, thank you," adding, "I do not think this award belongs to my father alone. It is an award to be shared with everyone who loved my father."
By combining the scores from the selection committee vote (40%), club representatives' vote (20%), media vote (20%), and fan vote (20%), Yoo Sang-chul, Kim Byung-ji, Kim Joo-sung, and Dejan were chosen as inductees in the player category.
Yoo Sang-chul, who passed away in 2021 from pancreatic cancer, made his professional debut in 1994 with Hyundai Horang-i (now Ulsan HD) and played as a versatile multi-position player across defense, midfield, and attack. Yoo recorded 38 goals and 9 assists in 144 K League appearances and won the K League scoring title in 1998. He then moved to Japan to play in the J.League, performed well, and returned to Ulsan in 2005 before retiring the following year. He went on to coach Daejeon Hana Citizen, Jeonnam Dragons, and Incheon United.