Singer Kim Heung-kuk (67) has founded a soccer club.
Kim established the club, named Deuridae FC, and held an inaugural ceremony Sunday at the Park Ji-sung Soccer Center in Suwon, according to Yonhap.
Kim serves as the club's general manager, with Park Seong-jong, the father of soccer star Park Ji-sung, joining as an adviser. A total of 23 founding members signed on, including actors Song Kyung-chul and Yang Jae-won and other soccer enthusiasts in their 60s and 70s.
Kim's representatives said Park Ji-sung, who is based in the United Kingdom, could not attend in person as he was at a celebration for director Guus Hiddink's 80th birthday, but sent congratulations and support for the club's founding.
Kim has long been involved in soccer-related activities, including the Arirang cheering squad and a soccer fan group. This marks the first time he has formed his own soccer team and taken on the role of general manager.
"We created this so that people who love the sport can get together, play soccer and live long, healthy lives," Kim said. "We plan to hold a friendly match about once a month. We also intend to form a supporters' association and use soccer to do a lot of good."
paq@heraldcorp.com
