1998–99: Rookie season and All-Star debut

In his debut on November 14, 1998, Hyun posted 26 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals, leading SK Knights to a 95–94 season-opening win over the Daegu Tongyang Orions.^[23]

In Hyun’s first season, he scored double-digits in 24 consecutive games which is the KBL’s longest streak of double-digit scoring as a rookie.^[24] He became the first ever rookie in the league to record a triple-double.^[25][26] Hyun made history for being the first rookie named to the KBL All-Star. In his first All-Star Game, Hyun scored six points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out two assists and tacked on two steals.^[27][28] Since Hyun made it to the All-Star list, he was shortlisted as South Korea’s delegate to the first Asian Basketball Super League (ABSL) held from June 5 to July 16 in eight different cities of the participating countries, which includes Korea, China and Japan.^[29]

Hyun played in 34 games, averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.^[30]

1999–00: Sophomore season

During his second season, Hyun played 15 games for the SK Knights and he recorded an average of 19.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.^[30]

1999–00: Sophomore season

Hyun, who was traded in the middle of the season, was named Player of the Month for January, receiving 38 out of 66 votes. During this month, he logged two triple-doubles and was ranked sixth in scoring (23.33 points per game), sixteenth in rebounds (7.5 rebounds per game) and second in assists (8.42 assists per game).^[32][33][34]

Hyun was named to the All-Star list for the second year in a row.^[35][36][37] He was also voted to the All-Star Best 5 by basketball commentators and reporters.^[38][39]

For the remainder of the season, Hyun played 27 games with his new team, averaging 23.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.^[30]

2000–01: Injury

On February 14, 2001, Hyun, injured his right ankle and knee in a game against Daejeon Hyundai Gullivers.^[43] On February 21, he was diagnosed with two broken right ankle ligaments, inflamed and torn right ankle tendons, myositis and a knee joint damage.^[44] Hyun ended his season early with only 27 games played,^[45] averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.^[30]

Hyun, who was supposed to make his third consecutive All-Star Game appearance, failed to participate in the event due to the right ankle injury he incurred.^[46][47]

Hyun underwent surgery at Samsung Medical Center before joining the military.^{[10][19][48][49]}

2001–02: Finals MVP and injury

Hyun, who was still rehabbing the injuries he incurred in the previous year, led the past year’s tournament runner-up to victory during the 2001–02 Basketball Festival (officially known as the Sewon Telecom Basketball Festival for sponsorship reasons). During the final game on January 16, 2002, he logged a double-double with 25 points and 17 rebounds in an 87–84 win over Chung-Ang University, ending their third championship winning streak. Hyun, who only scored eight points in the first half, succeeded in a reverse layup at the end of the third quarter making the score 63–61. In the fourth quarter, Hyun scored 17 points helping Sangmu claim the championship title.^[54][55][56] This led to people calling him "The Lord of the Military".^[57][58][59] Hyun was eventually named the Finals MVP and he received the Rebound Award.^[54][55][56]

After his Sangmu championship, Hyun injured his left knee cartilage twice and received two surgeries in 2002. His first operation was on February 19 at Samsung Medical Center, Hyun underwent arthroscopic surgery on the left knee femur for his injured cartilage.^[60] Hyun, who was still experiencing pain on his left knee and rehabilitating at that time, was highly discouraged by his doctor to take part in the 2002 Asian Games. Despite the doctor’s advice, Hyun still played and led South Korea to win its first gold medal in 20 years.^[10][53] After his participation in the continental games in October, Hyun suffered from the same injury once more. On December 20, Hyun underwent his second left knee cartilage surgery at Samsung Medical Center.^[52][61][62]

2002–03: Injury

In 2003, Hyun failed to play for Sangmu as he incurred an injury on his left knee cartilage for the third time. Hyun’s case was considered alarming and risky since he received two operations in the previous year after suffering from the same injury twice. In a statement, Busan KTF Magic Wings Director Chu Il-seung (Korean: 추일승; Hanja: 秋壹勝) said that there was barely cartilage left in Hyun’s knee. Hence, performing the third left knee surgery will be complicated due to the difficult method of culturing and transplanting cartilage tissue. Hyun was advised by experts to get treatment abroad but was not able to do so since he was an active duty soldier. According to the South Korea law, active duty soldiers are only allowed to get treatment overseas if it is a fatal case that cannot be treated in Korea. Eventually, Hyun did not opt for a surgery, instead, he underwent rehabilitation program at Samsung Medical Center for his injured left knee cartilage.^[62]

Hyun was discharged from the military in August 2003, after 26 months of mandatory service.^{[50][51][52][53]}

2003–04: Return

Hyun, who suffered from a string of injuries, returned to the All-Star stage after three seasons. Hyun was voted to the 2004 All-Star Game by coaches, earning his third All-Star selection.^[63][64][65]

Hyun played in 44 games during the season, he posted an average of 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.^[30]

2004–05: Playoffs debut and MVP race

In 2004, Hyun was named Player of the Month for November, receiving 45 out of 73 votes. He averaged 13.7 points (ranked twenty-fourth), 3.4 rebounds (ranked twenty-seventh), 8.3 assists (ranked third) and 1.2 steals (ranked twenty-fifth) per game during this month. Despite not being the leading player in points, rebounds, assists or steals, Hyun’s defensive ability made him the winning candidate. In particular, prolific tall shooters Seo Jang-hoon (of Seoul Samsung Thunders) and Kim Joo-sung (of Wonju TG Sambo Xers) could not score over 10 points against Hyun who was in charge of playing defense against them.^[66][67]

In 2005, Hyun was selected to play in the first All-Star Game between the KBL and the CBA.^[68][69][70] The first game was held in Seoul, South Korea on January 28, where South Korea won 85–82. The second game was held in Harbin, China on January 30, where the host country won 93–77.^{[71][72][73][74]}

Hyun was then named to his fourth All-Star Game appearance. Hyun, who was voted by fans, made it to the All-Star Best 5 list after four seasons.^{[75][76][77][78]}

During this season, he logged 13 double-doubles, the most for the forward position.^[79][80] Hyun’s averages increased to 14.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game^[30] and he was referred to as "Point Forward" for recording the most number of assists for the forward position and ranking second in the season’s assists leaders with a career-high 7.83 assists per game.^{[15][81][82][83]}

With Hyun leading the team, the Busan KTF Magic Wings finished the season 32–22, showing a 13-game improvement from the previous year which helped them qualify for the playoffs after two years. Despite Hyun’s effort, the team was eventually eliminated by the Seoul Samsung Thunders after losing in the first two games. Hyun posted an average of 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game — all of which are his playoffs career-highs.^[30]

Hyun came in second place in voting for the season MVP award with 16 votes.^[84][85][86] Subsequently, he was voted into the KBL Best 5.^{[87][88][89][90][91]}

2005–06

In Hyun’s first season with the Changwon LG Sakers, he received an annual salary of ₩360 million KRW, becoming the second highest paid player for the 2005–06 season (following Seo Jang-hoon of the Seoul Samsung Thunders with ₩380 million KRW).^[92][93][94]

In 2006, Hyun was once again named to the South Korean roster for the second KBL-CBA All-Star, making it his second consecutive appearance.^{[95][96][97][98]} The first game was held on January 22, in Seoul, South Korea where the host country won 96–86. The second game was on January 24, in Jiyuan, China where China won 104–85.^[99][100]

Hyun, who was voted by coaches, made his fifth All-Star appearance.^[101][102]

Hyun received the 2006 KBL Exemplary Player award after being selected by the league's referees and technical committee for his professional conduct on the court.^{[82][103][104][105]}

During this season, Hyun did not miss a single game, he played a career-high 54 games and he averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.^[30]

2006–07: Injury

On January 21, 2007, Hyun injured his left ankle and knee during a game against the Jeonju KCC Egis. On January 24, diagnosis revealed that he suffered from a left ankle sprain and a left knee meniscus injury.^[106]

Hyun, who was hampered by injuries, appeared in 46 games and saw a decline in his season averages, posting 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. This was the first time he recorded a single-digit scoring average.^[30]

Hyun delayed his knee surgery so he can participate in the semifinals of the playoffs against his former team, the Busan KTF Magic Wings.^[107][108] Hyun averaged 12.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists over four games. The LG Sakers was eventually eliminated.^[30]

On May 8, Hyun went under the knife for his third left knee cartilage surgery.^[107][108]

2007–08

Hyun was once again voted to the All-Star lineup by coaches, marking his sixth and last appearance.^{[109][110][111][112]} He logged a game-high nine 3-point shots (alongside Seo Jang-hoon).^[113]

Since Hyun postponed his surgery in the previous season, his condition worsened which affected his performance during the season.^[49] Despite his physical decline, Hyun played in 53 out of 54 games and he registered a career-low 7.9 points per game. His average for rebounds was the same as the previous year at 3.7, while his assists average increased to 4.0.^[30]

The LG Sakers moved into the first round of the playoffs but was eventually eliminated by the Seoul Samsung Thunders after losing in the first two games. During the playoffs, Hyun averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.^[30]

2008–09: Injury

Due to his recurring left knee cartilage injury, Hyun recorded his worst performance in his nine years of playing professional basketball.^[49] Hyun, who appeared in 44 games, finished the season with career-low averages on scoring, rebounds and assists at 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.^[30]

Hyun, who only played in two of four games during the playoffs, registered an average of 6.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game — all of which are his playoffs career-lows. The Seoul Samsung Thunders eliminated the LG Sakers in the first round.^[30]

During the offseason, on May 7, 2009, Hyun underwent knee arthroscopy, his fourth left knee cartilage surgery at Samsung Medical Center.^{[12][49][114]}

FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship

Hyun first represented South Korea when he was selected to be a part of the South Korean national under-19 basketball team. He played at the 1992 Asian Basketball Confederation Under-18 Championship, now called FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship, in Beijing, where they won the silver medal, after losing in the final game to the tournament's host team, China, with a score of 80–93.^[126]

FIBA Asia Under-21 Championship

Hyun competed for South Korea at the 1993 FIBA Under-21 World Championship, a now defunct age group competition, in Valladolid, where they finished in eleventh place after a 96–87 victory against Chinese Taipei in the classification round.^[127][128] During the tournament, Hyun played in five of seven games, missing out on the match against Angola and France. He scored 8.0 points per game, on top of recording a 66.7% free throw percentage.^[129]

At the 1997 FIBA Under-21 World Championship in Melbourne, Hyun recorded a tournament-high 32 points against Australia on August 3, 1997.^[130] Hyun was the top performer of the team, averaging 18.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 7 games, while shooting 41.1% from the field, in addition to posting a 73.1% free throw percentage.^[131] Hyun led the team in scoring and defensive rebounds,^[132] and was also the tournament's top scorer.^[133] South Korea finished in the ninth place after a 78–62 win against Egypt in the classification match.^[134][135]

FIBA World Championship

19-year-old college freshman Hyun, who was the youngest member of the team, made his debut for the senior national team at the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto. In his debut match against Australia on August 4, 1994, he scored six points, grabbed two rebounds and dished out an assist. Hyun averaged 3.7 points and 3.7 rebounds over three games.^[136] South Korea won in the semifinals against Egypt with 76–69, claiming the thirteenth rank in the tournament.^[137][138]

At the 1998 FIBA World Championship held in the city of Athens and Piraeus, Hyun played for the South Korean squad in four of five games, missing out on the match against Brazil. Hyun averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, on 50.0% shooting from the field.^[139] South Korea finished in the sixteenth place after a 75–72 loss to Senegal.^{[140][141][142]}

Asian Games

Hyun was named to the South Korean roster for the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, where they finished runner-up, bringing home the silver medal in a 72–100 loss to China.^[143]

At the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Hyun competed for South Korea, where they lost again in the gold medal game against rival team China, with a score of 92–112.^{[144][145][146]}

Hyun, who was admitted in the military for mandatory service, represented South Korea in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan. Prior to the tournament, Hyun’s left knee cartilage was operated. Despite experiencing pain on his left knee and the doctor’s advice to not participate, Hyun led South Korea to snatch the gold medal from China, headed by NBA player Yao Ming, in a 102–100 final score victory.^{[53][147][61][148]} Hyun, who succeeded in a layup shot with 4 seconds left in fourth quarter, tied the score to 90–90, forcing an overtime. Hyun then scored six points in the overtime, securing South Korea’s first Asian Games gold medal in 20 years since the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.^{[149][150][151][152]}

Olympics

Hyun, who was in his second year of college, was named to the South Korean roster for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where he played in all seven tournament games.^[153] He was not only one of the top players of the team but also of the competition,^[154] outperforming NBA players Charles Barkley in terms of points per game,^[155] David Robinson in total points,^[156] and Scottie Pippen in field goal shooting percentage.^[157][158] Hyun led the team in scoring and rebounds.^[159] He averaged 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 56.8% from the field, in addition to posting an 82.1% free throw percentage.^[160] South Korea finished in the twelfth place after they lost 61–99 against Angola in the classification round.^[161][162]

East Asian Games

Hyun played for the South Korean national team at the 1997 East Asian Games, hosted by his home country in Busan. South Korea lost in the gold medal game against Chinese Taipei, finishing second in the competition.^[163][164]

Asian Basketball Confederation Champions Cup

In 1997, Hyun, who was a college student, was once again tasked to represent South Korea in the continental games. Hyun won and gained the attention of the international audience when he shattered the backboard during the dunk competition at the All-Star Game of the 1997 ABC Champions Cup, now called FIBA Asia Champions Cup, in Jakarta. Hyun is the only one who broke the backboard in Korean basketball history.^{[165][166][167]}

Asian Basketball Confederation Championship and FIBA Asia Cup

Hyun was named to the roster that represented South Korea in the 1995 ABC Championship in Seoul. They won the silver medal, after losing to China in the final game with 78–87.^{[168][169][170]}

At the 1997 ABC Championship held in Riyadh, Hyun competed for the national squad, where they won the gold medal, after defeating Japan in the finals with 78–76.^{[171][172][173]}

Hyun represented South Korea in the 1999 ABC Championship in Fukuoka, where they finished runner-up, after being defeated in the gold medal game by rival team China with a score of 45–63.^{[174][175][176]}

Hyun last played for the South Korean squad during the 2005 FIBA Asia Championship, formerly named Asian Basketball Confederation Championship, in Doha. He played in all eight matches, averaging 8.6 points per game and recording a 61.5% free throw percentage.^[177] South Korea lost to Qatar, the tournament's host team, in the bronze-medal game, with a score of 77–89, ranking them fourth in the competition.^{[178][179][180][181][182]}

Medals

• 1992 ABC Under-18 Championship:  Silver
• 1994 Asian Games:  Silver
• 1995 ABC Championship:  Silver
• 1997 East Asian Games:  Silver
• 1997 ABC Championship:  Gold
• 1998 Asian Games:  Silver
• 1999 ABC Championship:  Silver
• 2002 Asian Games:  Gold

KBL

• KBL 20th Anniversary All-Time Legend 12 (2017)
• KBL 15th Anniversary Legend All-Star (2012)
• 6-time KBL All-Star (1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)
• KBL Exemplary Player (2006)
• 2-time KBL-CBA All-Star (2005, 2006)
• KBL Forward of the Year (2005)
• All-KBL First Team (2005)
• KBL Best 5 (2005)
• 2-time KBL All-Star Best 5 (2000, 2005)
• 2-time KBL Player of the Month (January 2000, November 2004)

Basketball Festival

• Basketball Festival Finals MVP (2002)
• Basketball Festival Rebound Award (2002)

South Korea national team

• ABC Champions Cup Dunk Contest Winner (1997)