Hakutozan Fukudo - 白頭山 福童 (born 1903 - date of death unknown) is a former Korean professional sumo wrestler from North Chungcheong Province. He made his debut in October 1927 and wrestled for Takasago stable. His highest rank was sandanme and he retired in May 1930.
Early Life[]
Han-gyu Park was born in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, Korean Empire, which is located in modern day South Korea. He later moved to Japan to become a sumo wrestler.
Career[]
Park joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in October 1927. At the time, he stood at 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) and weighed 291 Ib (132 kg). He was already taller than sekiwake Dewagatake who was the tallest active wrestler at the time. He was given the shikona "Hakutozan" (白頭山) which is derived from Paektu Mountain, a sacred mountain located on the North Korean-China border. Hakutozan had a bent spine due to an illness he suffered as a child and this severely hindered his sumo ability. He reached the sandanme division, but retired from sumo all together in May 1930.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring from sumo, Park worked various different jobs in Japan. He first worked at a theater and later as a bouncer at a dance hall. He was later hired by confectionary company Morinaga to dress up as a general or sailor and hand out flyers. He travelled to various parts of Japan, as well as Sakhalin, Korea, Taiwan, and Manchuria (all Japanese colonies at the time) to promote Morinaga. After that, he worked at an amusement park, but it is unknown what he did after that. By the 1960s, Park had already passed away.
Personal Life[]
- His name could have initially been "Bok-dong Park" (박복동) before he changed it to Han-gyu Park (박한규).
- Standing at 2.17 m (7 ft 1.5 in), Hakutozan is the tallest sumo wrestler in the post-Showa era.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Unknown
Shikona History[]
- Hakutozan Fukudo (1927.10 - 1930.05)
Gallery[]
