Under manager
Guus Hiddink, Kim began to play for the national team in earnest. An unimpressive
K League player at the time, he was criticised for his poor basic skills early in his international career. Over time, he became an irreplaceable
defensive midfielder skilled at pre-empting opponents' counterattacks in Hiddink's belief. He was nicknamed the "Vacuum cleaner" after showing limitless stamina and relentless tussles. At the
2002 FIFA World Cup, he played all five matches until the quarter-finals. After he quit the tournament due to an ankle injury, South Korea lost to
Germany in the semi-finals. After the tournament, he suddenly gained a huge female fan base, and led to sell out tickets for
Jeonnam Dragons' matches. The club were also asked to put him on television shows by several broadcasters. South Korean journalists called this phenomenon "Kim Nam-il Syndrome". In January 2003, Kim joined
Eredivisie club
Feyenoord on loan, and was subleased to their satellite club
Excelsior to be tested for five months. However, he returned to South Korea after failing to make a strong impression at Excelsior. At the
2006 FIFA World Cup, Kim contributed to both South Korea's defense and attack. His long-range passes in matches against
Togo and
France got a good press. He also played for his country at the
2010 FIFA World Cup, but was blamed by his compatriots after conceding a penalty to
Nigeria. == Managerial career ==