Pak Chol-Jin, 24, formed one half of Asia’s meanest defensive partnership with Ri Jun-Il as Korea DPR surprised everyone by claiming one of the continent’s four automatic berths at South Africa 2010.
Having appeared four times during Korea DPR’s failed qualifying bid for the FIFA World Cup™ in Germany four years ago, Pak was called into coach Kim Jong-Hun’s squad ahead of Asia’s third round of qualifying for South Africa 2010. Throughout, he proved one of Chollima’s most consistent performers, missing only two outings during the entire third preliminary stage.
A dependable centre-half, Pak can also fill in at right-back when coach Kim switches to more attacking formation. Furthermore, as one of the tallest members of the team, he is a formidable physical presence in both penalty areas.
