Though still just 24, Pak Nam-Chol numbers among Korea DPR’s most experienced players, having featured in the Chollima’s qualifying campaigns for the last two FIFA World Cups™.
Four years ago, he appeared in five qualifying games for Germany 2006 as the North Koreans stumbled at the final round. This time around, Park returned to the national team midway through their campaign in Asia’s third round of qualifying for South Africa 2010, coming on as a substitute for Kim Yong-Jun in the second half in the goalless draw away to Turkmenistan.
He went on to feature for the Chollima in their remaining nine games, including a full 90-minute run-out in their concluding fixture against Saudi Arabia when a goalless draw sealed their place in South Africa.
A creative midfielder, Pak is also known for his goalscoring ability. He opened the scoring for Korea DPR in a crucial South Africa 2010 qualifier against the United Arab Emirates and was also on target against Venezuela in the build-up to the finals, again scoring the opener in a 1-1 friendly draw.
