SEOUL — In a move set to reshape the future of Korean badminton, Park Joo-bong, one of the sport’s greatest icons, has officially been named head coach of South Korea’s national team by the Badminton Korea Association (BKA).
The 61-year-old Olympic gold medalist and badminton legend is taking the helm after more than two decades of coaching abroad—most recently leading Japan to unprecedented success on the global stage. Under his guidance, Japan captured Olympic medals and World Championship titles, transforming into a top-tier badminton powerhouse.
Now, Park returns home with a clear mission: to restore South Korea’s dominance in international badminton.
“I’m honored and grateful to take on this important responsibility,” Park said. “My goal is to guide the national squad through structured training and smart, strategic planning, helping them reach their peak potential.”
Park’s coaching appointment was finalized following an official board meeting on April 4, with the BKA emphasizing his historic contributions to the sport and unparalleled leadership experience. Park had previously coached Malaysia in 2003 before briefly returning to Korea to prepare the squad for the Thomas Cup and the Athens Olympics. He then went on to lead Japan from 2004 until the end of 2023.
Alongside Park, the new coaching lineup includes Lee Kyung-won and Kim Sang-soo for doubles, and Jeong Hoon-min for singles. The remaining slot will be filled via open recruitment. Their tenure will run through December 31, 2026.
Park is set to lead the national team at the 2025 Sudirman Cup (World Mixed Team Championships) in Xiamen, China, starting April 27.
This coaching reshuffle is seen as a fresh chapter for Korean badminton, particularly with the recent election of Kim Dong-moon—Olympic gold medalist in 1996 and 2004—as BKA president.
From Olympic glory in Barcelona to a transformative coaching legacy in Japan, Park Joo-bong now embarks on a new journey to inspire Korea’s next generation of champions.
