South Korean kabaddi legend Lee Jang-kun made a comeback to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) after a four-year absence, exciting his fans. He was dubbed the “Korean King” and returned to the Patna Pirates in 2024.
Although he appeared in only one game during the season, his return was welcomed with elation by the fans. What kept him away, and how did he come back to the sport that made him famous? Let’s take a look at Lee Jang-kun’s remarkable story.
Lee Jang-kun’s Journey: From Busan to Kabaddi Stardom
Lee Jang-kun’s journey to becoming the “Korean King” of Kabaddi is a story of hard work and passion. Born in Busan, South Korea, on November 6, 1992, he initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.
Still, he turned to Kabaddi at 18 after discovering the sport while studying physical education at Dong-eui University. His skills got him picked for the South Korean national team, and he contributed to winning bronze medals at the 2013 and 2014 Asian Indoor Games.
Lee joined the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2014, playing for the Bengal Warriors. In 2017, he earned the title of the most valuable international player. He made history by becoming the first overseas player to score 400 raid points in the PKL, which earned him a strong reputation. He significantly contributed to Korea’s win over India in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.
On the international stage, Lee helped South Korea win a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a silver at the 2018 Asian Games, solidifying his status as a key figure in kabaddi, especially in his home country.
Lee moved to the Patna Pirates in 2019 but took a break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the team in 2024, and although he played less, he was still a favorite among fans.
Other than kabaddi, he has appeared on television, which helped the sport gain more popularity in Korea. His journey from Busan to a Kabaddi star illustrates his dedication as well as the sport’s growing international appeal.
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Notable Victories and Hurdles: Korea’s Development in Kabaddi
South Korea’s positive developments in Kabaddi have been marked with achievements and with challenges yet to be overcome.
Their journey began with a surprising win against India in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, which brought them international recognition. This success was followed by the 2018 Asian Games, where the men’s team won gold and the women’s team took home bronze.
India again clinched the title at the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Busan, although South Korea’s impact on the sport was evident. Even so, they still face challenges posed by traditional kabaddi powers like India and Iran, along with these nations’ strong influence, scarce resources, and slow progress in areas such as athlete development and retention.
Beyond his playing career, Lee has worked to promote Kabaddi in South Korea and internationally. Through appearances on TV shows like “Physical 100,” he has helped raise awareness of the sport in his home country, where it is still gaining popularity.
Regardless of all these barriers, South Korea is committed to the sport of Kabaddi and intends to boost its global standing.
A Triumphant Return: Lee Jang-kun’s PKL Comeback
Lee Jang-kun, a well-known Kabaddi player from South Korea, returned to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2024 after being away for four years. He rejoined the Patna Pirates, the team he played for in Season 7 (2019), during the PKL auction for ₹17.5 lakh.
Although he only played one match that season, his return was seen as an important milestone in his career and a special moment for his fans. Lee’s successful career in the PKL earned him widespread popularity in India, where fans affectionately call him the “Korean King” of Kabaddi. His achievements in the league, along with his success with the South Korean national team, have made him one of the most famous Kabaddi players from outside India.
This denotes his passion for the Kabaddi game and gives a glimpse of how the sport is evolving in South Korea and India.
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