Lee Chung-yong
A technically gifted winger whose creativity and pivotal goals made him a mainstay for South Korea and a fan favorite in English football.
Born 1988 (age 38)·South Korean footballer·Birthday: July 2·Millennials
Biography
Lee Chung-yong, the 'Blue Dragon,' brought a silky touch and inventive flair to the right wing for over a decade. He announced himself to the world at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, his performances earning a move to England's Bolton Wanderers. There, he quickly became a cult hero, his clever dribbling and eye for a pass providing a spark in a team known for its grit. A devastating double leg fracture in 2011 threatened his career, but his determined return showcased his resilience. After Bolton's relegation, he continued in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where his experience and technique proved valuable in big matches, including an FA Cup final. A stalwart for the South Korean national team, he earned over 80 caps, contributing crucial goals in World Cup qualifying and tournament play. In his later career, a return to South Korea saw him continue to influence games, his intelligence compensating for a step lost to time, remaining a respected figure in Asian football.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lee was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key role in South Korea's run to the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, scoring in the third-place match.
- Scored a memorable solo goal for Bolton Wanderers against Queens Park Rangers in the 2011 FA Cup, later voted the club's Goal of the Season.
- Earned over 80 caps for the South Korean national team, scoring in the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Algeria.
- Won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace in 2016, coming on as a substitute in the final against Manchester United.
- Named Bolton Wanderers' Player of the Year for the 2009–10 season.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Blue Dragon' is a direct translation of his given name, Chung-yong.
He scored his first Premier League goal for Bolton against Manchester City in 2010.
He played for FC Seoul in the K League twice, at the start and end of his career.
He assisted the winning goal for South Korea in their 2-0 victory over Germany in the 2018 World Cup, eliminating the defending champions.
“My job is to see the pass no one else sees and make it real.”
