"What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know to speak so recklessly?" Controversy erupts over interview with Jeonbuk Football Association president... "Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) made sacrifices for 13 years"

*This content was translated by AI.

Seo Kang-il, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Do Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman), sparked controversy by expressing dissatisfaction in a media interview: "What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know to form an Innovation Committee (K-Football Innovation Committee)? What makes them so bold as to speak so recklessly?"

According to a KBS report on the 16th, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) stated in an interview with KBS: "(Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo) may have been national team players in football, but how much life experience do they have? How well do they understand the law? What qualifies them to lead an innovation committee? They should run for office themselves. Instead of just criticizing, let them participate directly in elections."

Seo Gang-il (Chairman) also insisted that the upcoming election for the next president of Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman), which became vacant due to Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)'s resignation, must proceed according to existing rules and procedures. However, under Chairman Park Ji-sung's leadership, the K-Football Innovation Committee is exploring ways to amend regulations in collaboration with the Korean Olympic Committee to enable direct elections for football association presidents.

Seo (Chairman) stated: "According to current bylaws, a by-election must be held within 60 days. Why are we trying to rewrite the bylaws? Without a president, football association administration would come to a standstill. We still need to participate in the Asian Games and play A-match games. How can we appoint coaches without Ha Neun-de (Chairman)?" He also emphasized that a by-election should be conducted within the deadline through the current indirect election system.

Regarding former president Jeong Mong-gyu, Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) said: "Except for God, everyone makes mistakes in life," effectively offering protection. Seo (Chairman) added: "(Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)) is not someone who deserves criticism to this extent. People call it '13 years of dominance' toward Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), but I consider it '13 years of sacrifice.'"

Meanwhile, Seo Kang-il took office as the 24th Jeonbuk Football Association president in January last year. Former president Jeong Mong-gyu personally attended the inauguration ceremony of the new president held in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, to offer congratulations. Recently, he also accompanied Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) and others to observe the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America together.

Through KBS, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) stated: "(Regarding the observation of the North American World Cup) My knees are not in good condition, so I cannot travel on the association's economy class ticket. If I were to go that way, I wouldn't go at all. I requested business class. While the association allowed a business upgrade, they said I would have to bear the cost personally, so I upgraded my seat at my own expense. Accommodation and meals were provided." He also added: "(Regarding my candidacy for the 56th presidential election) I will not comment. However, if someone appears without commitment to reform, I may consider it."

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*This content was translated by AI.