In 1959, Bong was in military service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. He participated in the South Korean qualifying tournament for the 1959 World Wrestling Championships, but lost by decision to Cheon Dong-mun of the Republic of Korea Army. By 1961, he was attending Kyung Hee University. He came in first place in the lightweight category in the South Korean qualifying tournament for the 1961 World Wrestling Championships, defeating his classmate Hwang Yong-deuk and Gukhak University student Kim Ik-jong.