Kim Byung-ji

Kim was selected for the South Korea squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. South Korea met the Netherlands in the second game of the group stage, and lost 5–0 to them. South Korean players couldn't avoid journalists' criticism, and the manager Cha Bum-kun was sacked after the loss although the tournament was ongoing. However, Kim struggled in the Netherlands' 17 shots on target, and became the only player who received acclaim, although conceded five goals. Kim formed a strong rivalry with Lee Woon-jae in the K League and the national team, and also competed with him for the starting position for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Hiddink agonized over the choice of a goalkeeper until the start of the tournament, but selected Lee because of the Kim's eccentric play in the Lunar New Year Cup.

Kim Byung-ji (born 8 April 1970) is a former football goalkeeper who played for the South Korea national team as well as several clubs in the K League. He played as a sweeper-keeper who moved wide scope to help defense with rapid pace. He also had great reflexes and made super saves. However, his excessively active personality sometimes showed eccentric plays. He was deprived of the ball after he suddenly tried to dribble against Paraguay in the 2001 Lunar New Year Cup and embarrassed Guus Hiddink, the former South Korea manager. He is also noted for his unique hair style, which looks like the tail of a bird. He spent 24 seasons from 1992 to 2015, and recorded 706 appearances, 229 clean sheets and three goals in the K League, including Korean League Cup.