Seoul: Chung Mong-won, chairman of HL Group and former head of the Korea Ice Hockey Association (KIHA), has published a memoir on his life in the sport.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the book, titled "Korea Plays Ice Hockey, Too," covers Chung's three decades in ice hockey, a niche sport in the country.
Chung's career in sports administration culminated in his induction into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame in 2020, marking him as the only Korean member of the Hall of Fame. The memoir's cover, as provided by HL Group, showcases his journey and achievements in the sport.
Chung, 69, founded Anyang Halla, now known as HL Anyang, as the first professional hockey team in South Korea in 1994. He also played a key role in establishing the Asia League Ice Hockey in 2003, with HL Anyang becoming an eight-time Asia League champion. His tenure as KIHA vice president began in 2010, followed by his presidency from 2013 until February 2021.
During his leadership, the men's national team hired Jim Paek, a former National Hockey League defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup champion, as head coach. This resulted in South Korea's first-ever promotion to the highest level of the IIHF World Championship in 2018.
According to HL Group, Chung wrote the book from a fan's perspective, focusing on his experiences with HL Anyang and the national team, enriched by behind-the-scenes stories. He included a guide for new hockey fans in an appendix. Chung expressed gratitude towards fans for their support, stating, "It's all thanks to fans that ice hockey in South Korea has survived despite challenging circumstances. I wrote this book to show my appreciation for those fans and also to help more people take interest in ice hockey."