'My heart is heavy'

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my beloved mother. Our family is deeply saddened by this loss. We appreciate your thoughts and condolences during this difficult time,” Coach Park Hang-seo shared the sad news on his personal page when his beloved mother passed away.

Mrs. Baek Soon-jung with a portrait of her son

“During the funeral, I ask for privacy for the family. We are very grateful for the care and love of friends, colleagues and fans. Thank you for everyone's encouragement," Mr. Park added.

After receiving this information, Coach Park Hang-seo returned to Korea to take care of his mother's funeral.

Ms. Baek Soon-jung was born in Chukdong-myeon town, Sacheon-si city, Gyeongsangnam-do province. She married Mr. Park Rok, coach Park Hang-seo's father, in Sancheong city in the same province. They had 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl), and Park Hang-seo was the youngest. Mr. Park was the one who was loved and pampered the most by his mother.

While coaching the U.23 Vietnam team, Mr. Park often took the time to visit his family. In 2022, he returned to attend the 100th birthday celebration of Mrs. Baek Soon-jung.

Coach Park Hang-seo once revealed: "My mother sent all her children to study in Seoul, to attend university despite the family's difficult circumstances. At first, my mother opened a small pharmacy. Then, when her children's tuition fees increased, she opened a restaurant and even worked as a salt trader. Thanks to my mother, I was able to go to Seoul and learn football."

Coach Park's mother was interviewed by the Korean press 6 years ago when Coach Park Hang-seo and the Vietnam U23 team made a miracle, winning the runner-up position in the 2018 U23 Asian Cup. At that time, Coach Park Hang-seo's mother was moved to share: "I received many congratulations. I have a good son who plays football very well. I regret that I could not take good care of him since he was young. I really want to go to Vietnam to visit Park Hang-seo, my son."

DJ Management, the management company of Coach Park Hang-seo, shared: “DJ Management is deeply saddened to announce the passing of the mother of our client, Coach Park Hang-seo. We would like to send our deepest condolences to Coach Park Hang-seo and his family during this difficult time.

Mr. Park Hang-seo hopes to receive privacy for his family as they grieve the passing of their beloved mother. DJ Management fully supports and respects Mr. Park Hang-seo’s wishes during this sensitive period, and calls on the media and public to give the family the space and time they need to mourn privately. We deeply appreciate the support and sympathy of the public and media as Mr. Park Hang-seo and his family go through this sad period.”

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