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Key Information

Lee Chun-soo
Hangul
이천수
Hanja
李天秀
RRI Cheonsu
MRI Ch'ŏnsu

Lee Chun-soo (Korean: 이천수; born 9 July 1981) is a South Korean retired football player. He played as a forward for the South Korea national team at the 2002 and 2006 editions of the FIFA World Cup. Early in his career he was regarded as one of the most talented forwards to have emerged from South Korea.[2]

Club career

[edit]

Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i

[edit]

Lee recorded seven goals and nine assists during 18 appearances in the 2002 K League, showing his talent in his first professional season.[3] After becoming a World Cup semi-finalist and the top assist provider of the K League at the age of 19, he was named the Asian Young Footballer of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation.[4]

In July 2003, he joined Real Sociedad, the runners-up of the 2002–03 La Liga, becoming the first Korean to play in La Liga. However, after a mediocre season, he was loaned out to fellow La Liga side Numancia, and ultimately returned to South Korea. He was unable to score in the La Liga in his two years there.[5]

Lee rejoined Ulsan in mid-season. He especially scored a hat trick in the first leg of the championship final.[6] He was subsequently named the K League's Most Valuable Player.[7]

The next year, he scored a hat-trick against Gamba Osaka at the A3 Champions Cup.[8]

Feyenoord

[edit]

In the summer of 2007, Lee joined Feyenoord of the Eredivisie. He got the second chance to play in Europe, but failed to adapt to the Netherlands. While he competed in Feyenoord, he was scammed in his country, and took a two-week vacation to solve the problem.[9] He had difficulty concentrating on football due to his case of fraud, and Feyenoord officially announced Lee's loan to South Korean team Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a one-year deal in July 2008.

Loan spells

[edit]

Even in Suwon, his stint was ill-received: he performed poorly, had clashes with the coaching staff, and was banished from the K League. After a few months, Suwon released him from the banishment, and he could be loaned to Jeonnam Dragons on 26 February 2009.[citation needed]

In June 2009, he claimed he couldn't reject his transfer according to his contract with Feyenoord if another club suggest a high salary to him, and he joined a Saudi club Al-Nassr in the middle of the season. However, the dual contract did not exist in reality, and he was prohibited from joining the K League again after Jeonnam got to know the truth.[10]

Incheon United

[edit]

In March 2010, he left Al-Nassr because the club did not give his wages for three months.[11] He joined a J1 League club Omiya Ardija, and played in Japan for a year and a half.

After leaving Omiya Ardija, Lee did not join any foreign professional club for a year, and hoped to play in South Korea. Jeonnam Dragons released his indefinite banishment after watching his behavior including three apologies at the stadium.[12] On 31 March 2013, he came back to the K League with Incheon United in a game against Daejeon Citizen 1,381 days after the last game with Jeonnam.[13]

On 5 November 2015, he announced his retirement as a player. His retirement ceremony was held at half time of a World Cup qualifier between South Korea and Lebanon in March 2016.[14]

International career

[edit]

In 1999, Lee was selected for the South Korean under-20 team, participating in the Bangabandhu Cup. He scored five goals against Thailand in his debut game,[15] and also scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Brazil.

Lee was also a member of the South Korean under-23 team in the 2000 Summer Olympics. In a group match against Morocco, he almost missed a crucial penalty, but succeeded in scoring from the rebound.[16]

In the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in his country, Lee was a substitute of the South Korean national team, but showed good dribbles and defense when appearing.[17] After main players were injured, Lee got an opportunity as a starter in the semi-finals against Germany. In this game, however, he was criticised for displaying a greediness for goal with little regard for teamwork, although he made a memorable shot saved by Oliver Kahn.[17]

Unlike in the 2002 World Cup, Lee played as a starter in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He scored South Korea's first goal with a free kick against Togo in a 2–1 win.[18]

After retirement

[edit]

In 2005, he took a special seminar at Goyang Baekyang Middle School with Chung Mong-joon, president of the Korea Football Association.[19]

In June 2014, he starred in an SNL Korea episode, when he played a parody of the game Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 called "GTA Winner Eleven 2014" alongside Kim Min-kyo.[20]

On November 5, 2015, when he was about to retire from active duty, he appeared on JTBC Newsroom. During the broadcast, Lee confessed that he intentionally hit Paolo Maldini in the head during the 2002 FIFA World Cup against Italy.[21]

In December 2015, he appeared on the King of Mask Singer in Episode 38 as (with the stage name "Know Thyself Socrates") show and displayed his singing skills.[22]

As of March 2016, he is a commentator for JTBC3 Fox Sports.[23]

In 2019, He was appointed as the head of strength and conditioning for his hometown team Incheon United ahead of the 2019 season,[24] but resigned from the position in August 2020.[25]

In January 2021, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Social Contribution Committee of the Korea Football Association.[26]

In June 2021, Lee signed a contract with DH Entertainment.[27]

In October 2024, he participated in the Nexon Icon Match in Korea as a striker team.[28]

On November 4, 2025, police charged him with fraud.[29]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[1][3]
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i 2002 K League 18 7 3 2 0 0 — 21 9
2003 K League 18 8 0 0 — — 18 8
Total 36 15 3 2 0 0 — 39 17
Real Sociedad 2003–04 La Liga 13 0 2 0 — 6 0 21 0
Numancia (loan) 2004–05 La Liga 15 0 1 0 — — 16 0
Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i 2005 K League 14 7 1 0 0 0 — 15 7
2006 K League 18 5 0 0 6 2 6 3 30 10
2007 K League 16 5 1 0 10 2 — 27 7
Total 48 17 2 0 16 4 6 3 72 24
Feyenoord 2007–08 Eredivisie 12 0 2 0 — — 14 0
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (loan) 2008 K League 3 0 0 0 1 1 — 4 1
Jeonnam Dragons (loan) 2009 K League 7 4 1 0 1 0 — 9 4
Al-Nassr 2009–10 Saudi Pro League 16 3 0 0 0 0 — 16 3
Omiya Ardija 2010 J1 League 16 2 2 2 0 0 — 18 4
2011 J1 League 27 6 1 0 0 0 — 28 6
Total 43 8 3 2 16 4 6 3 46 10
Incheon United 2013 K League 1 19 2 1 0 — — 20 2
2014 K League 1 28 1 0 0 — — 28 1
2015 K League 1 20 2 0 0 — — 20 2
Total 67 5 1 0 — — 68 5
Career total 260 52 15 4 18 5 12 3 305 64

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[30]
National team Year Apps Goals
South Korea 2000 9 2
2001 7 1
2002 16 1
2003 6 0
2004 4 1
2005 8 0
2006 17 3
2007 10 2
2008 1 0
Career total 78 10
Results list South Korea's goal tally first.
List of international goals scored by Lee Chun-soo
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 5 April 2000 Seoul, South Korea 1  Laos 3–0 9–0 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification
2 7 April 2000 Seoul, South Korea 2  Mongolia 5–0 6–0 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification
3 13 September 2001 Daejeon, South Korea 11  Nigeria 1–2 2–2 Friendly
4 16 May 2002 Busan, South Korea 23  Scotland 1–0 4–1 Friendly
5 8 September 2004 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 40  Vietnam 2–1 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 29 January 2006 Hong Kong 54  Croatia 2–0 2–0 2006 Lunar New Year Cup
7 22 February 2006 Aleppo, Syria 58  Syria 2–1 2–1 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification
8 13 June 2006 Frankfurt, Germany 63  Togo 1–1 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup
9 6 February 2007 London, England 68  Greece 1–0 1–0 Friendly
10 29 June 2007 Seogwipo, South Korea 71  Iraq 2–0 3–0 Friendly

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Note(s) Ref.
2017 Society Game Himself
2021 Golden Eleven 2 Himself [31]
2021 Brad PT & GYM Carry Himself [32]
2022–present Mr. House Husband 2 Himself [33]
2022 Gundesliga Himself [34]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2021 Ssangssang Invitational Himself [35]

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i

Feyenoord

Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Incheon United

South Korea U23

South Korea

Individual

Television personality

[edit]
List of awards and nominations received by TV personality Lee Chun-soo
Award ceremony Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
KBS Entertainment Awards 2022 Top Excellence Award in Reality Category Mr. House Husband 2 Won [52]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lee Chun-soo

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Lee Chun-soo (born July 9, 1981) is a retired South Korean professional footballer who played primarily as a second striker or forward, renowned for his dynamic playing style, international appearances in two FIFA World Cups, and pioneering role as the first South Korean player in Spain's La Liga.[1][2] Born in Incheon, South Korea, Lee began his professional career with Ulsan Hyundai in the K League 1 in 2002, where he quickly established himself as a rising talent by scoring 7 goals in 18 appearances during his debut season and earning the K League Young Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards.[1][3] His breakthrough came during the 2002 FIFA World Cup on home soil, where he featured in all seven matches as South Korea achieved a historic fourth-place finish, the nation's best performance in the tournament.[4] Following this success, Lee moved to Europe in 2003, signing with Real Sociedad and becoming the first South Korean to play in La Liga, though his time there was marked by limited starts (21 appearances, 0 goals) before a loan to CD Numancia in 2005.[5][2][6] Returning to Ulsan Hyundai midway through 2005, Lee enjoyed a career peak, leading the team to the K League 1 title with 10 goals in 21 matches and securing the league's Most Valuable Player award that year, along with a spot in the Best XI.[5][3] He later ventured to the Netherlands with Feyenoord in 2007 (14 appearances, 0 goals), before a series of moves across Asia, including stints with Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2008), Jeonnam Dragons and Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia (2009), Omiya Ardija in Japan (2010–2012, 46 appearances, 10 goals), and finally Incheon United (2013–2015, 68 appearances, 5 goals), where he retired on January 1, 2016, after amassing 301 club appearances and 63 goals overall.[5] On the international stage, Lee earned 78 caps for South Korea between 1999 and 2010, scoring 10 goals, with notable contributions including a goal against Togo in the 2006 FIFA World Cup group stage and two goals in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where South Korea finished third.[4][7] His career highlights also include recognition in the K League Hall of Fame selection process in 2023, underscoring his lasting impact on South Korean football despite occasional controversies off the pitch, including a resolved fraud allegation in 2025.[8][9]

Personal life

Early life

Lee Chun-soo was born on 9 July 1981 in Incheon, South Korea.[10] Growing up in his hometown of Incheon, he began playing football during his childhood, approaching the sport with a strong work ethic and determination to prove his abilities beyond his physical appearance.[11] Lee attended Bupyeongdong Middle School from 1994 to 1996[12] and Bupyeong High School from 1997 to 1999, where he played for the school football teams and quickly emerged as a standout talent.[10] During his high school years, he earned initial call-ups to South Korea's youth national teams, partnering with promising forward Choi Tae-uk, which marked him as a rising star in Korean football.[13] Following high school, Lee briefly attended Korea University in 2000 and 2001 before transitioning to professional football.[10]

Family

Lee Chun-soo married model and television personality Shim Ha-eun in 2012, with their marriage registration dated March 7 of that year.[13] The couple held a formal wedding ceremony in December 2017, after having already started their family. Shim, born in 1984, had previously worked as an international model and entered the entertainment industry as a TV personality in 2016.[14] The couple has three children: their eldest daughter, Lee Joo-eun, born on June 20, 2013; and twins, son Lee Tae-gang and daughter Lee Joo-yul, born on January 11, 2020.[12] As of 2025, the family resides in Incheon, where Shim has focused on homeschooling the twins to support their education amid her husband's post-retirement activities.[15] The family has made several public appearances together, including episodes of the KBS variety show The Return of Superman, where they shared glimpses of daily life and parenting challenges following Lee's retirement from professional football in 2015.[16] They also maintain a joint YouTube channel that documents family moments and Lee's transition into broadcasting and business ventures.[17]

Club career

Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (2002–2003, 2005–2007)

Lee Chun-soo made his professional debut with Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i in 2002 at the age of 20, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in the K League. In his debut season, he featured in 18 league appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists, which highlighted his flair for dribbling and creative playmaking from the forward position.[18] These contributions were instrumental in Ulsan finishing as runners-up in the 2002 K League, securing second place behind Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.[19] Lee also played a key role in the team's Korean FA Cup campaign that year, adding to his growing reputation for explosive attacking runs and precise finishing. Building on his breakout year, Lee continued to develop over his stints with Ulsan from 2002 to 2007, accumulating 108 appearances and 40 goals across all competitions, including league, cup, and continental matches.[20] His consistent scoring and assist output solidified his status as one of the league's top young forwards, with notable performances in the 2003 K League where he added 8 goals in 18 games.[18] By 2004, Lee's influence extended to Ulsan's continental efforts in the AFC Champions League, where his speed and technical skills on the wing complemented the team's structured attack, though he was on loan abroad that year. In 2005, Lee's form peaked before his mid-season transfer to Europe, as he scored 7 goals in 14 league appearances and played a pivotal role in Ulsan's K League championship victory, including a hat-trick in the playoff final against Incheon United.[21] His exceptional season earned him the K League Most Valuable Player award, recognizing his all-around impact on the pitch.[22] Earlier in 2002, Lee's rapid rise had already garnered international acclaim, as he was named the Asian Young Footballer of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation for his outstanding dribbling and goal-scoring prowess at just 21 years old.[23] In 2006, Lee made 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and helping Ulsan maintain competitiveness in the K League. The following year, 2007, he featured in 27 matches, netting 7 goals, while contributing to the team's attack before his departure to Europe.[21]

Real Sociedad and Numancia (2003–2005)

In July 2003, Lee Chun-soo transferred to Real Sociedad from Ulsan Hyundai for a fee of approximately €2.3 million, marking him as the first South Korean player to join La Liga.[24] Despite high expectations following his 2002 World Cup performances, his impact was limited during the 2003–04 season, where he made only 13 league appearances with 2 assists and no goals, alongside 6 Champions League outings without scoring.[25][26] These opportunities came amid Real Sociedad's competitive campaign, but Lee's role remained peripheral, overshadowed by the team's established forwards and his own adjustment issues. Unable to secure a regular starting position, Lee was loaned to Numancia for the 2004–05 La Liga season to gain more playing time and adapt further.[27] He appeared in 15 league matches for the club, totaling 28 top-flight outings across both Spanish teams during his stint there, but failed to score any goals while contributing minimally in assists.[28] The move emphasized his efforts to acclimate to the more physical and tactical demands of European football, contrasting the speed-oriented style he knew from the K League, though Numancia's struggles—finishing 19th and facing relegation—limited team success.[29] Lee faced significant challenges during this period, including language barriers that hindered communication with coaches and teammates, as well as cultural shock and homesickness that affected his mental focus and integration.[30] Minor injuries further restricted his starts, resulting in mostly substitute roles and frustration over limited minutes. In April 2005, midway through the Numancia loan, he returned briefly to Ulsan Hyundai after the club bought back his contract for around €2 million, though the Spanish experience highlighted his initial difficulties in Europe's top leagues.[31]

Feyenoord and loans (2007–2008)

Lee Chun-soo signed with Feyenoord on August 31, 2007, securing a four-year contract for a transfer fee of €2 million from Ulsan Hyundai, capitalizing on his international profile from the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[32][6] His arrival generated high expectations among fans, given his reputation as a dynamic winger and goal-scorer in Asia, but adaptation to the physical and tactical demands of the Eredivisie proved challenging. Lee made his debut on October 20, 2007, against Excelsior in the Eredivisie, where he delivered an impressive performance in Feyenoord's 1–0 victory, showcasing his speed and crossing ability on the right flank.[33] However, his overall stint was marked by inconsistent form and limited opportunities under coach Erwin Koeman, as injuries and competition for places restricted his involvement. In the 2007–08 Eredivisie season, he appeared in 12 matches without scoring, accumulating 455 minutes, while adding 2 appearances in the KNVB Beker, also goalless.[34] Feyenoord reached the KNVB Beker final that year, winning 2–0 against Roda JC, but Lee's role was peripheral.[35] By mid-2008, with playing time scarce and fan frustration mounting over his lack of impact, Feyenoord loaned Lee to Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the K League on July 29, 2008, for one year at a fee of 800 million won (approximately $720,000).[36] The move aimed to help him regain form in a familiar environment, but his time at Suwon was equally troubled by disciplinary issues and coaching conflicts, resulting in just 3 league appearances and no goals before the loan ended prematurely in December 2008 amid a voluntary withdrawal announcement.[37][38] Across his Eredivisie tenure, Lee totaled 12 appearances and 0 goals, falling short of the creative output expected from a player of his pedigree and highlighting struggles with consistency and integration into European football.[34]

Later Asian clubs (2008–2012)

Following his challenging period in Europe, Lee Chun-soo returned to South Korea on a one-year loan to Suwon Samsung Bluewings from Feyenoord in July 2008. During the second half of the 2008 K League 1 season, he made 4 appearances across league and cup competitions and scored 1 goal, though injuries and tactical disagreements limited his impact. Unable to secure a regular role, he was loaned to Jeonnam Dragons in February 2009, where he featured in 7 league matches, netting 4 goals and showing improved form in the K League 1.[35] In June 2009, Lee signed with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, marking his first venture into Middle Eastern football. Over the 2009–2010 season, he adapted to the physical style and climate, making 16 appearances and scoring 3 goals while providing 1 assist, contributing to the team's competitive efforts despite the challenges of a new cultural and tactical environment.[37] Lee moved to Japan in August 2010, joining Omiya Ardija on an initial six-month contract that was extended for the 2011 season. In the J1 League, he achieved greater consistency, appearing in 43 matches across both seasons and scoring 8 goals with 4 assists, which helped stabilize his career after European disappointments by providing steady playing time and allowing him to rebuild confidence in an attacking role.[20] His performances underscored a period of recovery, as he transitioned successfully between Asian leagues, focusing on technical contributions and team integration. After his contract with Omiya Ardija ended in 2011, Lee remained unattached for the 2012 season.[27]

Incheon United and retirement (2013–2015)

In February 2013, Lee Chun-soo signed with Incheon United, his hometown club in the K League Classic, marking his return to South Korean football after stints abroad. Over three seasons, he made 68 appearances and scored 5 goals, primarily operating as a veteran forward who contributed experience to the squad.[20][39] In the 2014 season, Lee featured in 28 league matches, netting 1 goal and providing 1 assist while accumulating over 2,000 minutes on the pitch, often mentoring younger teammates in a leadership capacity. The following year, 2015, saw him appear in 20 league games, scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists despite persistent physical challenges, underscoring his role as a seasoned presence in the attack.[37][39] On November 5, 2015, at age 34, Lee announced his retirement during an appearance on JTBC News Room, later confirming the decision in a press conference, attributing it to declining physical skills and a wish to step away while still valued by fans. His final club match was Incheon's home game against Jeonnam Dragons on November 28, 2015, intended as a farewell appearance, though limited by injury. A formal retirement ceremony honored him at halftime of South Korea's World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in March 2016, with tributes from K League peers highlighting his contributions to Korean football, including guidance to emerging talents.[11][39]

International career

Youth career

Lee Chun-soo earned his first call-ups to South Korea's youth national teams in the late 1990s, representing the U-20 side in international tournaments and quickly establishing himself as a dynamic forward. In 1999, at age 18, he was selected for the U-18 national team (eligible for U-20 competitions) at the Bangabandhu Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where South Korea topped Group B with two convincing wins before falling in the semifinals.[40] His standout performance came in the tournament opener, a 7-2 rout of Thailand, in which Lee scored four goals, including multiple strikes that showcased his speed and finishing ability. He added a brace in the 2-0 group-stage victory over a Brazilian select XI and netted once more in the 2-3 semifinal defeat to Japan, finishing as the competition's top scorer with seven goals overall and helping earn the team the Fair Play Award. These exploits, totaling seven goals in three matches, marked him as a promising attacker capable of decisive contributions in high-stakes youth fixtures.[40] Building on this momentum, Lee transitioned to the U-23 level for the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, where he played a key role in South Korea's bronze medal campaign. He scored three goals across the tournament, including a brace in a 5-2 group-stage win over Oman—netting in the 65th and 85th minutes to seal the result—and a 73rd-minute strike in the 3-0 third-place victory against Thailand. His goals and overall play in these youth internationals, which included several assists in qualifying matches though exact figures vary by record, solidified his reputation ahead of his full integration into the senior national team in 2000.[41][42]

Senior career

Lee Chun-soo made his senior debut for the South Korea national team in 2000, going on to earn 78 caps and score 10 goals before his international retirement following his last appearance in 2008.[35][43] In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, Lee featured in all seven matches during the country's historic semi-final run, which culminated in a fourth-place finish—the nation's best performance in the tournament's history.[43] He entered the group-stage game against the United States, the round-of-16 match against Italy, as well as the quarter-final penalty shootout victory over Spain, providing energy on the flanks despite limited minutes in some games.[44][45] Lee secured a starting position for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, featuring in all three group-stage matches and scoring a pivotal free-kick goal in the 54th minute against Togo, equalizing in a 2–1 win that propelled South Korea into the round of 16.[46][47] His versatility as a forward allowed him to operate effectively as a second striker or winger, contributing to the team's tactical flexibility under coach Dick Advocaat.[10] Beyond the World Cups, Lee played a key role in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, appearing in six matches as South Korea advanced to the quarter-finals before a penalty-shootout loss to Iran; the team rebounded to claim third place with a shootout victory over Japan.[48][42] He also featured prominently in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making seven appearances and scoring once to help secure qualification.[43]

Post-retirement career

Football administration

After retiring as a player in 2016 with Incheon United, Lee Chun-soo transitioned into football administration, beginning with roles at his former club focused on team enhancement and operations. From 2018 to 2020, he served as the head of Incheon United's Power Strengthening Department, where he contributed to player recruitment strategies and overall squad development efforts within the K League. In 2024, he briefly served as head of a sponsorship association for a political candidate, leveraging his sports network.[49][50][51] In January 2021, Lee was appointed Chairman of the Social Contribution Committee by the Korea Football Association (KFA), a position he held until 2022. In this role, he oversaw initiatives aimed at promoting football's societal impact, including community engagement programs and support for grassroots development in South Korea. The appointment was part of the KFA's 54th executive board restructuring, announced during a general meeting in Seoul, highlighting Lee's transition from playing to governance contributions.[52] During his KFA tenure, Lee advocated for broader access to football resources, aligning with the organization's goals for youth involvement and social outreach, though specific projects under his leadership emphasized collaborative efforts with local communities rather than direct national team oversight. By 2023, following broader executive changes at the KFA amid internal controversies, Lee's administrative involvement concluded, shifting his focus to other post-retirement pursuits.[52]

Media and entertainment

Following his retirement from professional football in 2016, Lee Chun-soo transitioned into media roles, leveraging his fame from the 2002 FIFA World Cup to establish himself as a television personality and commentator. His debut in broadcasting came in March 2016 as a commentator for JTBC3 Fox Sports, where he provided analysis for K League matches and international fixtures, drawing on his extensive playing experience to offer insightful commentary.[53] Lee's early television appearances included a guest role on Saturday Night Live Korea in June 2014, during season 5 episode 11, where he participated in a parody sketch involving a football video game.[54] In December 2015, he competed as a masked contestant on King of Mask Singer (episode 37), showcasing his singing abilities in the popular MBC variety program. That same year, on November 5, 2015, he appeared on JTBC Newsroom to announce his retirement, reflecting on his career in a candid interview that highlighted his intentional avoidance of certain professional pressures.[11] In reality television, Lee joined the cast of Mr. House Husband 2 on KBS2 starting in 2022, a show that follows male celebrities managing household chores and family life; his participation emphasized his role as a father and husband, resonating with audiences through relatable domestic scenarios. This role contributed to his growing popularity, culminating in the Top Excellence Award in the Reality Category at the 2022 KBS Entertainment Awards.[55] He continued to build on this success, sharing Entertainer of the Year honors at the 2023 KBS Entertainment Awards alongside other prominent figures.[56] Beyond traditional TV, Lee has embraced digital media, running the YouTube channel "Lee Chun-soo," which features short-form sports discussions, career reflections, and personal vlogs; as of November 2025, it boasts over 780,000 subscribers, underscoring his appeal as an engaging media figure.[57] His filmography primarily consists of these guest spots and reality engagements, with no major acting credits, but his charismatic presence has solidified his status as a beloved TV personality in South Korea.[58]

Controversies

2025 fraud allegation

On November 4, 2025, the Jeju Provincial Police Agency announced that a complaint had been filed against former South Korean footballer Lee Chun-soo for fraud under the Act on Aggravated Punishment, etc., of Specific Economic Crimes.[59][60] The case stemmed from a loan dispute involving an investor who alleged that Lee had received funds but failed to repay them.[61][62] The complaint, lodged in October 2025, detailed accusations that Lee had received approximately 632 million KRW, including 132 million KRW for living expenses and 500 million KRW for a foreign exchange investment opportunity, and then ceased all contact without fulfilling repayment obligations.[59][63] Police investigated the matter as a potential breach of trust involving aggravated fraud, given the scale of the financial transaction.[64][65] The allegation was resolved amicably on November 7, 2025, when the complainant withdrew the complaint following a settlement agreement, acknowledging it as a misunderstanding with no intent of fraud on Lee's part.[66][61] As a result, no formal charges were filed against Lee.[62] In public statements, Lee expressed relief and gratitude for the resolution, while his agency, DH Entertainment, confirmed the amicable outcome and emphasized Lee's cooperation throughout the process.[66][61]

Career statistics

Club

Lee Chun-soo recorded 301 appearances in club competitions throughout his professional career, scoring 63 goals and providing 35 assists across various domestic leagues, cups, and continental tournaments.[67]

Club Totals

The table below summarizes his statistics aggregated by club, encompassing all competitions.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Ulsan HD FC1114024
Incheon United6853
Omiya Ardija46105
Real Sociedad2101
CD Numancia (loan)1500
Feyenoord Rotterdam1400
Al-Nassr FC1631
Jeonnam Dragons941
Suwon Samsung Bluewings410
Career Total3016335

Breakdown by Competition

Statistics are broken down by major competitions, focusing on domestic leagues where possible; assists data is unavailable or untracked for some earlier cup and continental matches.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
K League 1 (incl. playoffs and stages)1624524
J1 League4384
La Liga2801
Eredivisie1200
Saudi Pro League1631
Major League Soccer000
Domestic Cups (KNVB Beker, Emperor's Cup, Korean FA Cup, etc.)2562
Continental (AFC Champions League, UEFA Champions League)1530

Season-by-Season Statistics

The following table aggregates statistics by season and club, summing across competitions (domestic leagues, cups, and continental where applicable); dashes indicate untracked or zero assists for that period.
SeasonClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
2002Ulsan HD FC2089
2003Ulsan HD FC1886
2003–04Real Sociedad2101
2004–05CD Numancia (loan)150-
2004–05Ulsan HD FC1575
2005–06Ulsan HD FC2581
2006Ulsan HD FC62-
2007Ulsan HD FC2773
2007–08Feyenoord Rotterdam140-
2008Suwon Samsung Bluewings41-
2009Jeonnam Dragons941
2009–10Al-Nassr FC1631
2010Omiya Ardija1841
2011Omiya Ardija2864
2013Incheon United202-
2014Incheon United2811
2015Incheon United2022

International

Lee Chun-soo made his senior international debut for South Korea on 5 April 2000 against Laos in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier, scoring two goals in a 9–0 victory. Over his senior career with the national team, spanning 2000 to 2008, he earned 78 caps and scored 10 goals.[35][42] His appearances included major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cups of 2002 and 2006, where he featured in a total of 7 matches and scored 1 goal, notably the winning free-kick goal against Togo in a 2–1 group stage win at the 2006 edition.[68] He also participated in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, making 6 appearances without scoring.[35] The following table details his 10 international goals by date, opponent, result, and competition:
DateOpponentResultGoalsCompetition
5 April 2000Laos9–022002 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 April 2000Mongolia6–012002 FIFA World Cup qualification
13 September 2001Nigeria2–21International Friendly
10 November 2001Croatia2–01International Friendly
9 December 2001United States1–01International Friendly
16 May 2002Scotland4–11International Friendly
29 January 2006Croatia2–01International Friendly
22 February 2006Syria1–212007 AFC Asian Cup qualification
13 June 2006Togo2–112006 FIFA World Cup
6 February 2007Greece1–01International Friendly
A breakdown of his senior appearances by major competition is as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
FIFA World Cup71
FIFA World Cup qualification133
AFC Asian Cup60
AFC Asian Cup qualification62
International Friendlies373
Other competitions91
Total7810
Lee Chun-soo also represented South Korea at youth levels, including the U-20 and U-23 teams. With the U-20 side, he scored 5 goals in the 1999 Bangabandhu Gold Cup, including all five in a single match against Thailand during his debut tournament.[69] For the U-23 team, he appeared in 7 matches across Olympic qualifiers and the 2000 Summer Olympics, scoring 3 goals.[35] In total, his youth international record stands at approximately 15 appearances and 8 goals across U-20 and U-23 levels.[21]

Honours

As player

During his playing career, Lee Chun-soo earned several individual accolades and contributed to team successes in domestic and international competitions.

Individual

  • Asian Young Footballer of the Year: 2002, awarded by the Asian Football Confederation for his standout performance as a 19-year-old in the K League and at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[70]
  • K League Rookie of the Year: 2002.[1]
  • K League Young Player of the Year: 2002.[1]
  • K League MVP: 2005, recognized for leading Ulsan Hyundai to the league title with 13 goals in 25 appearances overall, including a hat-trick in the championship final first leg.[22]
  • Third top scorer in the 2005 regular season: 9 goals.[71]
  • K League Best XI: Selected in 2002 for his rookie season impact with 7 goals and 9 assists in 18 matches, and again in 2005 for his MVP-level contributions.

Team

  • K League 1: 2005 with Ulsan Hyundai, defeating Incheon United 6–3 on aggregate in the championship final, where Lee scored a hat-trick in the first leg.[72]
  • K League Cup: 2002, 2005 with Ulsan Hyundai.[73]
  • KNVB Cup: 2008 with Feyenoord.[73]
  • Asian Games: Bronze medal in 2002 with South Korea, scoring the second goal in the 3–0 bronze medal match victory over Thailand at the home tournament in Busan.[41]

As media personality

Following his retirement from professional football in 2015, Lee Chun-soo transitioned into television, earning recognition for his engaging presence in reality and variety programming. His work has been particularly acclaimed in reality formats, where he showcased personal aspects of his life, contributing to high viewer engagement on KBS platforms. In 2022, Lee received the Top Excellence Award in the Reality Category at the KBS Entertainment Awards for his participation in Mr. House Husband 2, a show that highlighted his role as a house husband and father, resonating with audiences through its relatable domestic scenarios.[74] The program's popularity, evidenced by its sustained viewership and cultural impact, underscored his natural charisma in entertainment.[58] The following year, in 2023, Lee was honored with the Entertainer of the Year Award at the KBS Entertainment Awards, shared among several prominent figures including Jun Hyun Moo and Shin Dong Yup, acknowledging his consistent contributions to variety and reality television across multiple appearances.[56] This fan-voted and peer-recognized accolade highlighted his growing influence as a multifaceted media personality post-2016.
Award CeremonyYearCategoryNominated WorkResult
KBS Entertainment Awards2022Top Excellence in RealityMr. House Husband 2Won[74]
KBS Entertainment Awards2023Entertainer of the YearVarious variety appearancesWon (shared)[56]

References

  1. Chun-soo Lee - Player profile | Transfermarkt
  2. Former footballer Lee Chun-soo has caught spy cam offender in ...
  3. K League MVP | SoccerStats.us
  4. Chun-soo Lee - National team
  5. Chun-soo Lee - Stats by club
  6. South Korea's Lee signs for Feyenoord | Reuters
  7. Korea Republic players with most World Cup appearances - FIFA
  8. K LEAGUE - K리그
  9. Chun-soo Lee - Player profile | Transfermarkt
  10. Lee Chun-soo reflects on his career - Korea JoongAng Daily
  11. Penpix of South Korea's World Cup squad - Rediff.com
  12. Cheonsoo Lee - NamuWiki
  13. Lee Chun-soo proposes to Shim Ha-eun after 10 years of marriage
  14. Shim Ha Eun (심하은) - MyDramaList
  15. https://kbizoom.com/lee-chun-soo-shim-ha-eun-homeschooling-twins-after-13-years-of-marriage/
  16. Superman came back - NamuWiki
  17. Lee Cheon-su and Shim Ha-eun Rebut One-Sided Divorce Claims
  18. https://en.sportschosun.com/celebrity/2025/11/lee-chun-soo-shim-ha-eun-i-hope-you-124688
  19. Chun-soo Lee - Detailed stats
  20. Ulsan HD Standings 2002 & Table - Tribuna.com
  21. Chun-soo Lee - Career stats | Transfermarkt
  22. Lee Chun-soo - Player Profile & Stats - playmakerstats.com
  23. (LEAD) Controversial footballer Lee Chun-soo returns to pro league
  24. Wigan Athletic | Wigan chase ... - BBC SPORT | Football | My Club
  25. Sociedad seal Lee swoop | Football News - Sky Sports
  26. https://fbref.com/en/players/e956c973/matchlogs/2003-2004/summary/Lee-Chun-soo-Match-Logs
  27. CHUN SOO LEE - Real Sociedad de Fútbol
  28. Chun-soo Lee - Transfer history | Transfermarkt
  29. https://fbref.com/en/players/e956c973/matchlogs/2004-2005/summary/Lee-Chun-soo-Match-Logs
  30. 2004-2005 Numancia Stats, All Competitions | FBref.com
  31. Fulham want Lee - reports - Irish Examiner
  32. Was the Wall Too High In Spainish Football? | The DONG-A ILBO
  33. Lee Chun-soo Reaches Deal With Feyenoord - The Korea Times
  34. Lee Chun-soo Impressive in Debut - The Korea Times
  35. 2007-2008 Feyenoord Stats, All Competitions | FBref.com
  36. Lee Chun-soo - Stats and titles won - Footballdatabase.eu
  37. Lee leaves Netherlands in deal with Bluewings
  38. Chun-soo Lee - Detailed stats - Transfermarkt
  39. Total Meltdown - The Korea Times
  40. Lee Chun-soo to end up-and-down career - The Korea Times
  41. Bangabandhu Cup 1999 - RSSSF
  42. Asian Games 2002 (South Korea) - RSSSF
  43. Chun-Soo Lee 이천수 (Player) - National Football Teams
  44. Chun-soo Lee - National team
  45. South Korea 1-1 USA (Jun 10, 2002) Final Score - ESPN
  46. South Korea - Italy, 18/06/2002 - World Cup - Match sheet
  47. Lee Chun-soo Goal 54 - 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany - FIFA+
  48. South Korea 2-1 Togo (Jun 13, 2006) Final Score - ESPN
  49. Chun-Soo Lee » Asian Cup 2007 IDN/MAS/THA/VIE - worldfootball.net
  50. Lee Chun-soo (43), a former national soccer player, is said to have ...
  51. Korea Football News on X: "Incheon United are set to appoint Lee ...
  52. [브레이크뉴스] KFA, 새 집행부 발표..홍은아 교수 최초 女 부회장-신 ...
  53. Nat'l team star finds a new home in the booth
  54. Lee Chun-soo - IMDb
  55. Here Are All The Winners From The "2022 KBS Entertainment Awards"
  56. The Full List Of Winners From The “2023 KBS Entertainment Awards”
  57. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20251104/former-football-star-lee-chun-soo-accused-of-fraud
  58. Check out the winners of the '2022 KBS Entertainment Awards'!
  59. https://www.allkpop.com/buzz/2025/11/former-football-star-lee-chun-soo-sued-for-multi-billion-krw-fraud-he-cut-off-contact-without-repayment
  60. Lee Chun-soo, a former soccer national team member, is accused of ...
  61. https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/11462807
  62. https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/11/07/645UQ72VIVE23CGWCX6KQRW72Q/
  63. https://sbsstar.net/article/N1008317874/former-south-korean-soccer-star-lee-chunsoo-sued-for-alleged-fraud-denies-any-deception
  64. Japanese Media Also Focuses on Lee Chun-soo Fraud Allegations
  65. https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/322695/20251104/former-south-korean-football-player-lee-chun-soo-faces-lawsuit-over-multi-million-won-fraud-scheme.htm
  66. https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/08/MCN5RXPSWRBELJ2KMXLKNN3PCQ/
  67. Chun-soo Lee - Detailed stats
  68. Chun-soo Lee - National team - Transfermarkt
  69. Chun-Soo Lee - worldfootball.net
  70. Lee interesting Latics - Irish Examiner
  71. K League 1 » Top Scorer - worldfootball.net
  72. K League 1 » Champions - worldfootball.net
  73. Winners Of The 2022 KBS Entertainment Awards | Soompi
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