Kim On Kim

"Sometimes I am not sure whether my name is Taek Soo or Ping-Pong (note: they sound similar in Korean). It may sound a little funny, but just like that, ping pong has played an extremely important role in my life. Not only now, but in the years to come, I will live and die with ping pong." This is excerpted from Korean number 1 TT player Kim's diary. It has been 19 years since Kim started playing in the 5th grade. Since he was selected into the national team in 12th grade, ping-pong and Kim have merged as one. Kim finished his 7-month stint at the French Caen Club in May '99, and has been preparing in Seoul for the coming Worlds. The following is his article about himself published in the Seoul Sports News.

Rewards: Through living in France, I understand what a professional player is. To be able to see the developing trends in table-tennis is another benefit. My salary in France was 700,000 francs. I dare say that my contribution has exceeded that. Caen has already requested to Daiyu, the company I belong to, to extend my contract. But if there is a chance, I would like to play in China. There are several Chinese clubs that have extended invitations to me. Some of them promise me the highest wage (US$50K for 2 months). I am told that I have fans in China, and they like my style.

The Past: In elementary school, I had two very good friends. They always played ping pong after school, so I was also dragged into it. But soon I got tired of the training, and started to avoid the sport. It was my teacher who convinced my parents to force me back into ping pong. Since then I have never regretted. Last year, I lost the Korean championship to Ryu, and therefore failed to capture that title for a straight fourth time. After that failure, I remembered how I beat Kim Wan and Kim Ki Taek when I was still in high school. For me, to have a newcomer beat me is actually a happy event.

Interests: I have quite a few interests. I used to be addicted to Go (the ancient Chinese board game), and I recently play a lot of golf which I picked up when I was in France. In the summer I like water-skiing. I like to drive, and in France, I once drove at a speed of 240 km/hr. I think I should try at least to know a little about what others can achieve.

Money: My success in ping-pong has earned me quite a bit of money. I have not carefully calculated the amount, but it is probably 600 million to 700 million Won (about US$600K). Just last year I made about 200 million Won. My parents manage my money, and primarily invest in real-estate or bank savings. Stocks are too risky. Recently I also bought an apartment.

Marriage: I have a girlfriend now, and we have been dating for over two years. She is a nice girl who understands athletes. When I was in France, I spent over US$1,000 a month on telephone bills. Sometimes I really wanted to see her, so I just flew back to be with her for a little while, and then went back to France. As far as getting married, that would have to wait until after the Sydney Olympics.

Future: I will play as long as I am physically able to. I have the Asian Championship title, and my next goal is the Worlds and Olypmpics gold. Especially the Sydney Olympic gold: that to me is the most important. After retiring I want to be a coach. Now after every match I put down all my thoughts on my portable computer. This is preparation for the future coaching work.

Kim Taek Soo file: Birthdate: May 25, 1970 Siblings: 2 older and 1 younger brothers. Height: 1.75m Weight: 69 kg Interest: golf, Go (amateur 7th level) Alcohol capacity; 2 bottles of sake (when happy, unlimited) Favorite food: seafood Major accomplishments: 1991 Worlds 3rd in MS, 1992 World Doubles champion, 1994 Qatar 1st in MS and Men Team, 1998 Asian Championship gold. World rank: 5.

Back To Archives

Back To Index