An started to learn football professionally when he was 18 years old and a second-year student in high school.[1] He was accepted to one of the prominent universities in South Korea Chung-Ang University through his academic performance, but he joined Incheon National University to continue his football career.[1]
Club career
An became a founding member of professional club Ilhwa Chunma in 1989 despite starting football very late.[1] Furthermore, he became one of the best defenders in the K League, helping Ilhwa win three consecutive titles from 1993 to 1995.[1] In 1994, he played five friendlies for the South Korea national football team prior to the 1994 FIFA World Cup due to his performances.[2] He was also selected for the national team for the 1994 World Cup,[1] but didn't appear in World Cup matches.[2]
However, Ilhwa sold An to Pohang Steelers after the 1995 season because they thought he was old enough to deteriorate his ability, although he led them to Asian Club Championship title and K League title that year.[3] Interestingly, An was named the MVP of the Asian Club Championship after defeating his former club Ilhwa in the final of the next tournament.[3]
