Chairman Chung Mong-kyu's "Decline in Popularity of Korean National Team Korea" Why? "In the end, our association is to blame... "I hope you bounce back to the World Cup" [field questions and answers]

*This content was translated by AI.

Chung Mong-kyu (64), president of the Korea Football Association, talked about the association's development plan for the next three years in his term to mark the first anniversary of his fourth term in office.

A press conference was held at 11 a.m. on the 11th at the Ponyjeong Foundation Building Conference Hall in Sinmun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, marking the first anniversary of the inauguration of the 55th Chairman Chung Mong-gyu.

Regarding the results of the 2026 FIFA 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, Chairman Chung Mong-gyu said, "I think South Korea can play 'five games'. "Of course, it's better to play a few more games than that," he said. "The balance of players' skills has improved from four years ago. It's not impossible," he said.

The 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, which will be held under 48 countries for the first time in history, will be divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. Eight teams ranked first and second in each group and third place with excellent performance will advance to the round of 32. In order to play the "five games" mentioned by Chairman Chung Mong-kyu, he must pass the round of 32 tournaments and reach the round of 16.

Regarding the growing interest in the Korean national soccer team, Chairman Chung Mong-kyu said, "The first reason is a lack of communication in the process of appointing the national team coach, and Son Heung-min (LAFC) is in the United States, and Lee Kang-in (PSG) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) are likely to have reduced their media exposure more than before. The decline in the box office is entirely the responsibility of the association, and we look forward to rebounding in the wake of the World Cup," he said.

Mexico's unstable security situation, where Hong Myung-bo Team's three group matches are recently held, is also a challenge. Recently, at least 70 people have been killed in Mexico in the aftermath of the shooting of notorious drug cartel head El Mencho. In particular, more than 12,000 people went missing in Jalisco, where security is severe, putting the national team on alert to secure safety.

Chairman Chung Mong-gyu stressed, "We are very concerned about the security issue in Mexico, but we are working closely with related agencies such as the Embassy of Mexico, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." "Recently, the association's working-level officials conducted on-site inspections with FIFA officials and decided that there was no big problem," he added. "We will keep a close eye on the situation so that there is no gap in the safety of the fans visiting the site as well as the team."

-About the plan to move the base near Korea Football Park (Cheonan).

▶There are advantages and disadvantages of playing A matches between the metropolitan area and the provinces. There may be some inconvenience, but there are many positive aspects, so it is not viewed negatively.

-Do you have a vision to foster the next generation of administrators and recruit young soccer players.

▶ It is an ongoing task. There are many practical restrictions for former stars to become full-time administrators. They should also be wary of cases in which they only participate part-time in other industries such as broadcasting. However, many soccer players are already working for KFA, FIFA, and AFC committees to gain international experience.

-It is difficult to create an environment for full-time administrators.

▶It is difficult for the association to unilaterally enforce the environment because there are many variables such as individual career goals and whether or not to take a reduction in income.

-It is pointed out that Asian soccer administration is being taken to Western Asia.

▶Middle East expeditions are burdened with a decline in the value of broadcasting rights and long-distance travel (17-18 hours) due to time difference. To overcome this, solidarity centered on the East Asian Federation is also under discussion, and the recent changes in the situation in the Middle East are expected to affect the soccer landscape in the future.

-What are the possibilities and priorities for Korea and Japan to co-host the 2031 and 2035 World Cups?

▶Co-hosting is one of several options, and a single-hosting is the most ideal. I think the sooner of the two competitions (2031), the better. It is currently in close discussion with the government and related agencies.

-There was a problem with the disruption of the division system.

▶There was some confusion in the government replacement period earlier this year, but since it is an exemplary system that integrates daily sports and elite sports, it was settled in good consultation with relevant ministries. There will be no major confusion in the future.

-What are the plans for the construction of a dome stadium for the transformation of the Chuchun Festival?

▶ It is difficult to expand the domed stadium due to financial reasons. The introduction of the Chuchun system has significant infrastructure limitations, such as the difference between school systems and the cold weather (requires a hot field). Since large-scale investments by professional federations and clubs must be made at the same time, they are reviewing them from various angles.

-2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup's expected performance and Mexico's security concerns are high, so what are the countermeasures?

▶Director Hong Myung-bo will explain about electricity. The association will closely communicate with the government, the embassy, and FIFA in preparation for security issues in Mexico to ensure the safety of the team and fans.

-About the cause of the decline in interest in Korean soccer.

The first reason is a lack of communication in the process of appointing the ▶ national team coach, and Son Heung-min (LAFC) is in the United States, and Lee Kang-in (PSG) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) are likely to be less exposed to the media than before. The decline in the box office is entirely the responsibility of the association, and we look forward to rebounding in the wake of the World Cup.

-What are the strengths of hosting the Asian Cup?

▶Three recent competitions have been held in the Middle East in a row, and Korea has not held it for 70 years, so it is justifiable. It is the right time to upgrade the 2002 World Cup heritage and host national sports events.

-There were criticisms about the women's national team's demand for business seats.

▶ As an athlete, it is an issue that can be demanded sufficiently to maintain performance. It is unfortunate to compare and criticize the men's and women's national teams only with economic logic. I will find a reasonable solution to ensure that all national representatives are treated reasonably.

-What is the issue of repayment of borrowings and employee migration costs at Korea Football Park?

▶We reached an agreement by continuously communicating with the union to ease difficulties such as long-distance commuting for executives and employees. I won't be able to solve all the problems right away, but I'll do my best to support them.

-What is the biggest improvement over the past year.

▶ Rather than losing direction due to the opinions of various stakeholders, it is focusing on pushing and persuading systems essential for the development of Korean soccer, such as mandatory U-22 players and youth competitions.

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*This content was translated by AI.