Mixed-Heritage Footballer Has World Cup Dreams

Incheon United forward Kang Soo-il has played well in the K-League this season, scoring three goals in seven matches, and the three-year pro wants to play for the Korean national team badly.

/ Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul

By Kim Jae-won
Staff Reporter

People are often afraid of what is foreign to them, especially Koreans, who have long lived in a mono-ethnic society and are not used to living with someone who has a ``different'' skin color.

Incheon United forward Kang Soo-il is a proud Korean, who aspires to represent his country at the World Cup, but he's also a little different. Kang was born to a Korean mother and an African-American father and has darker skin than most Koreans, something that has set him apart throughout his life. Kang is an emerging star in the Korean professional football league with three goals in seven appearances this season.

Kang, who has impressed many with his play this season, was a little unhappy that he wasn't one of the 25 players named to the national squad for 2010 South Africa World Cup qualifiers by national team manager Huh Jung-moo, but remained hopeful that he'll get his chance.

``I appreciate that people are talking about me as a candidate for the national team. I was not picked up this time, but it is not over. I can get a chance at the end of the year if I keep playing well. I definitely want to play for the nation.''

Kang's teammate Yoo Byung-soo was included on the team. ``I said `congratulations' to Byung-soo. We are good friends. I am not jealous of him.''

Kang talked about being a little different from everyone else while growing up and how he eventually came to look at it in a positive way.

``I used to regret that I had dark skin. I even hit friends who made fun of me. But now, I realize that it could be a benefit to me. If I play the same level with my teammates, I get more attention because of my skin color,'' the 22-year-old said.

``I live and play football because of my mother. She means so much to me. I want to succeed as a football player to please my mom.''

Kang speaks quite passionately about his mother, who delivered Kang when she was 40. He said his mother was made sure he was brought up the right way.

``My mom even hit me when I went astray. When I was in Grade 3, I broke into a U.S. Army base, and played a slot machine game. I got a Jackpot and tried to take the money, but was caught by the American soldiers. My mom was called and I was released. She was so upset and hit me. I know she did it because she loved me.''

Kang, who was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the R-League, K-League's reserve league, last season talks glowingly about his mother. He sends her most of his salary, except 300,000 won ($237) per month for pocket money. His e-mail address is his mother's cellular phone number.

Kang did not discuss his father.

``I set my goal in life after meeting Hines Ward. `Set your goals high, do your best to achieve it while thinking of your mom and praying for it.'''

Kang met the National Football League (NFL) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver when he visited Korea in April, 2006. Ward has a similar background.

``I like to take pictures. I keep every one that I take. Those works are displayed at my home. I also enjoy dancing. I dance to my own rhythm. The harder I work, the better I'll play. That is my policy.''

``I have three goals, first of all, I want to keep my place as a striker in the K-League, so that I can hope to play for South Korea in World Cup eventually. Second, I want to play in the Spanish or English league. It would be wonderful to play with (Thierry) Henry. Last, but not least, I want to marry a good and kind girl.''
Kang says he greatly admires the Barcelona striker.

``I like Henry because he looks so free in the ground. His flexible motion is also awesome.''

Kang's career has just begun and time will tell if his dreams come true.

``I am thankful to people who help my mom and me. I do not know them all, but I really want to say `thank you' to them. I also want to help kids like me if given a chance.''

shosta@koreatimes.co.kr

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