Remembering Kim Hak-seok: A Badminton Legacy
The Korean badminton community mourns the loss of Kim Hak-seok, a pivotal figure in the sport’s growth and development in Korea.Kim, who served as vice president of the Korea Badminton Association, passed away on August 4th at the age of 74 after a battle with illness.
Kim’s dedication to badminton spanned decades. His journey began in 1973 when he took on the role of national team coach. He then ascended through the ranks of the Korea Badminton Association, holding positions such as game director, managing director, and ultimately, vice president. Even after stepping down from his executive role in 2016, Kim remained deeply involved in the sport, leading the Korean Unemployment Badminton Federation until 2020.His influence extended far beyond Korea’s borders. From 1993 to 2002, Kim served as a director for the World Badminton Federation (BWF), formerly known as the International Badminton Federation (IBF). He also held significant positions within the Asian Badminton Federation, including Competition Chairman, Finance Chairman, and Vice President, from 1993 to 2015. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, kim was honored with the prestigious ‘World Badminton Distinguished Service Award’ in 2005.
One of Kim’s most notable achievements was securing a sponsorship deal with Yonex, a leading global badminton brand, in the 1980s. This landmark agreement provided crucial financial support,enabling Korean badminton to flourish on the international stage.
Kim’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Korean badminton. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of athletes and administrators. He is survived by his wife, Chae Eun-kyung, and sons, Hong-gi and Min-gi.
Remembering a Giant: An Interview with Former Korean Badminton Star, Lee Yong-dae
The badminton world was recently rocked by the news of Kim Hak-seok’s passing. A pillar of Korean badminton for decades, his contributions reached far beyond the nation’s borders. too discuss kim’s profound legacy, I am joined by former Korean badminton star and Olympic champion, Lee Yong-dae. welcome, yong-dae.
Lee Yong-dae: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to talk about Mr.Kim.
Moderator: Mr. Kim’s career is truly remarkable. From national coach to Vice President of the Korea Badminton Association, his influence spanned generations. What are some of your earliest memories of him?
Lee Yong-dae: I first met Mr. Kim when I was just a teenager, starting out on the national team. He was already a legend then, respected by everyone. But what struck me most was his warmth and genuine care for his players. He wasn’t just concerned with winning; he truly wanted us to succeed as individuals.
Moderator: That dedication certainly shows in the strong Korean badminton program we see today. One of Mr. Kim’s crowning achievements, highlighted in the article, was securing Yonex sponsorship in the 1980s.How vital was that deal for Korean badminton’s development?
Lee yong-dae: It was monumental. At that time, securing sponsorship from a major brand like Yonex was unheard of for Korean badminton. mr. Kim’s vision and negotiating ability helped lay the foundation for our future success. It meant better equipment,more training opportunities,and a chance to compete on a global stage.
moderator: Mr. Kim was also a prominent figure internationally, serving on the boards of both the World Badminton Federation and the Asian Badminton Federation.
What impact did his international work have on the sport?
Lee Yong-dae: Mr.Kim was a true ambassador for badminton. He was respected by federations worldwide and constantly pushed for the sport’s growth. His efforts played a major role in establishing badminton as a truly global sport.
Moderator: His work earned him the prestigious “world Badminton Distinguished Service Award” in 2005. A well-deserved honor.
Now, some may argue that while administrative work is important, it’s the players on the court who ultimately drive the sport forward.
How do you see the balance between administrative leadership and athlete performance?
Lee Yong-dae: That’s a good question.while athletes are the ones competing, we need strong leadership to create the infrastructure and opportunities for us to thrive. Mr. Kim understood that perfectly. He was a builder, a visionary who laid the groundwork for generations of Korean badminton players.
Moderator: A very insightful point. Mr. Kim’s passing is a great loss for the badminton community. However, his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched.
Lee Yong-dae: Absolutely. His passion and dedication inspired us all. We will carry his spirit forward – on and off the court.
Moderator: Thank you for your time and insights, Yong-dae. And thank you to our readers for joining us.
What are your thoughts on Kim Hak-seok’s legacy? Share your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
