'Former K-League Player Turned Politician' Im Min-hyuk: "Korea Football Association Must Forge a Bone-Deep Reform Plan"

*This content was translated by AI.

Im Min-hyuk (32), who played in the K-League before retiring and later embarked on a political career, proposed a regulatory amendment stating that "the Korea Football Association must immediately establish a 'South Korea Football Innovation Committee,' grant it full authority, and create a bone-deep reform plan."

On the 3rd, via his social media, Im Min-hyuk stated, "Korean football is facing a crisis of truly deplorable levels. This should be an opportunity not merely for reform but for innovation to completely uproot cancerous old habits." He added, "The failure in this World Cup is a matter watched by all citizens. The government has not turned a blind eye to the causes and responsibilities, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also announced it will establish an investigative committee to thoroughly examine various controversies."

He further warned, "If the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's investigative committee plays its role in rectifying past issues, then we football people must unite to prepare for the future. If the football community misses this opportunity for innovation, we will continue to pass down outdated systems to younger generations, lose public trust, and become targets of ridicule for a long time."

Emphasizing that "there is no room for complacency," Im Min-hyuk noted, "The Asian Cup is already scheduled for January 2027." He stressed that "under the leadership of the Football Association, a South Korea Football Innovation Committee must be established to finalize a reform plan within 100 days before the Asian Cup kickoff," and added key details of the proposed reform.

According to the main contents of Im Min-hyuk's proposed reform plan, it will comprehensively address the national team operation system, coach selection procedures, power-strengthening committee, youth football, women's football, referee operation systems, information disclosure, and communication frameworks. It goes beyond mere recommendations to include draft amendments to articles of association, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

To prevent the Football Association's board from merely receiving reports on the reform plan and shelving them, the proposal stipulates that any innovation approved by the Innovation Committee must be automatically submitted to the next board meeting. If the board votes differently from the original proposal, it must jointly decide on reasons for modification and alternatives, then make these public. Furthermore, the final report must also be made publicly available so that discussions are not confined solely among football insiders but can be verified by citizens and fans.

Im Min-hyuk emphasized, "The driving force behind this football reform is not solely due to the 'World Cup failure.' In the current system where a few entrenched interest cartels control everything, it is increasingly difficult to expect a future. Youth players, parents, and coaches—who form the roots of Korean football—must continue to suffer on the field. If the roots are damaged, healthy fruit can never be produced."

He continued, "Our neighboring Japan has set winning the 2050 World Cup as its long-term roadmap and is diligently working toward it. As Asia's first nation to reach the semifinals, what reason do we have not to succeed?" He earnestly urged, "Now, senior players who have experienced that glory should stand at the center of innovation rather than entrenched interests to design a new 100 years for Korean football."

Im Min-hyuk, a product of Pohang Steelers' youth academy, joined Korea University's football team before entering professional football with Jeonnam Dragons in 2017. He later played for Daejeon Citizen (now Daejeon Hana Citizen), Jeonnam, and Cheonan City FC before retiring in 2024. During his time at Korea University in 2015, he was also selected for and played with the South Korea U-23 national team.

In late 2024, he announced his retirement, stating, "My football career was neither perfect, nor great, nor exceptionally brilliant. However, I am fully satisfied knowing that I lived in a wonderful world where honest people who worked hard with sweat were respected, breathed alongside wonderful people, and lived with pride in my life." His K-League career statistics include 3 appearances (6 goals conceded) in K League 1 and 27 appearances (40 goals conceded) in K League 2. After retiring, he joined the Democratic Party of Korea in April last year to pursue a political career. He ran for the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council seat (Yeongdeok District) in the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections last month but was unsuccessful.

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*This content was translated by AI.