“Star of Star” Kim Dae-ui and “New Star” Lee Chun-soo

Kim Dae-ui (28, Sungnam Ilhwa) and Lee Chun-soo (21, Woolsan Hyundai) have secured the spotlight of the 2002 season of the pro soccer.

The press voted yesterday in the Soccer Center on Shinmoon Ro, Chongro Gu, Seoul, to determine the MVP of the year. Kim snatched up the MVP title with 71 votes out of the total 74. Kim has played in 39 games this year and recorded 17 goals and 12 assists, contributing heavily to his team, or Sungnam`s winning three championships: K League, Adidas Cup and Super Cup.

Lee Chun-soo got most of the vote (i.e. 73) and earned the award given to the best "rookie." He demonstrated himself as a substitute during the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. Throughout the 18 games, he scored 7 goals and assisted 9. Coach of the Year went to Cha Kyung-bok (65), the coach of Sungnam for his role in leading the team to three championships.

For the Best 11, many of the World Cup stars were selected, including Hong Myung-bo (33, Pohang Steelers), Lee Woon-jae (29, Suwon Samsung), Kim Tae-young (32, Chunnam Dragons), Choi Jin-cheol (31, Chunbook Hyundai) and Yoo Sang-chul (31, Woolsan).

For the best referee, Kwon Jong-chul was selected, and Won Chang-ho was selected for the best line-umpire. The Special Awards went to Kim Ki-dong (30, Buchon SK), and Lee Yong-bal (29, goalkeeper of Chunbook), for their playing through all the 35 games. The ceremony will be held on Dec. 21.

stt77@donga.com