A shocking interview filled with inappropriate remarks, even showing loyalty toward Jeong Mong-gyu... The need for 'major reforms' in Korean football has only grown stronger

*This content was translated by AI.

It was truly an interview that made one doubt their eyes. Seo Gang-il, former president of the Jeonbuk Do Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) Football Association, defended former President Jeong Mong-gyu in a media interview while responding sharply to the K-Football Innovation Committee led by Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo. He also voiced opinions contrary to public sentiment on issues such as the controversy over pardoning football figures involved in match-fixing and reforms to the Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) election system. The need for 'major reforms' in Korean football has only intensified.

The controversial interview by Seo Gang-il, who took office as president of the Jeonbuk Football Association in January last year, was revealed through KBS on the 16th. On that day, Seo (Chairman) claimed, "What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know to lead an innovation committee?" Park Ji-sung, who serves as a FIFA commissioner, currently chairs the K-Football Innovation Committee, launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Lee Young-pyo, a commentator and former national team player, is also a member of the innovation committee.

The establishment of the K-Football Innovation Committee came amid strong calls for reforming Korean football, including the Korea Football Association (KFA) under Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman), following the shock of failing to advance from the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Amid this, President Seo Gang-il stated, "What do they know to speak so recklessly? As football players, they were national team members, but how much life have they lived, how much law do they know, and what social experience do they have to lead an innovation committee?" He poured out such inappropriate remarks. Ironically, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) himself has no connection to football whatsoever, let alone being a former football player, yet he holds the position of Jeonbuk Football Association president.

Moreover, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) voiced opinions detached from public sentiment regarding issues such as the upcoming presidential election following Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)'s resignation and the past controversy over pardoning football figures under Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman). He is clearly advocating for amending the association's bylaws to require an election within 60 days if a vacancy occurs, and to ensure that a 'proper' football association president is elected through direct voting rather than indirect selection. In fact, on the 16th, the Korean Sports Council approved a bylaw amendment centered on expanding the pool of presidential electors, allowing for early implementation upon consultation with the council when necessary. There are also plans to revise regulations that currently mandate the election of a new president within 60 days of a vacancy. This move appears aimed at the upcoming Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) election.

However, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) argued, "We must hold a by-election within 60 days as per current bylaws; why change them? Without a president, administration would be paralyzed. We need to participate in the Asian Games and play A-matches; how can we appoint a coach without any candidates?" He insisted that the next presidential election should proceed under existing regulations. Regarding the controversy over pardoning football figures, he stated, "At that time, it may have been ill-timed and rushed, but sometimes mistakes must be forgiven and understood."

He then went out of his way to defend Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman), who is facing fierce criticism, saying, "Everyone makes mistakes except God." Jeong (Chairman) has long led the Korea Football Association and found himself at the center of administrative controversies. He has already been summoned for national audits due to KFA administration issues and is scheduled to appear as a witness in the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing on the KFA later this month. Coincidentally, Jeong Mong-gyu, then president of the football association, personally attended Seo Gang-il (Chairman)'s inauguration ceremony held in Jeonju, Jeonbuk last year to offer congratulations.

Amid this, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) stated, "I do not think (Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)) deserves criticism to this extent," adding, "People call it '13 years of dominance' for Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), but I see it as '13 years of sacrifice.'" This expressed 'loyalty' toward Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), who is facing intense public criticism.

Additionally, Seo (Chairman) revealed that he and Jeong (Chairman) observed the recent North America World Cup on-site and received accommodation and meals from the Korea Football Association during their observation period. He further noted that after being denied a business-class seat when requesting one instead of economy, they ultimately paid out-of-pocket for an upgrade to business class. Regarding the possibility of running in the next Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) presidential election, he said, "If someone appears without the will to reform, I may consider it," revealing his ambition for the presidency.

With former President Jeong Mong-gyu Han Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) leaving office in disgrace before completing his term, the head of the Korea Football Association is now vacant, and following Hong Myung-bo's resignation as coach of the national team, even the A-team coaching position remains empty—an unprecedented situation. Meanwhile, with the K-Football Innovation Committee launched under government leadership and a National Assembly hearing on the KFA underway, Korean football faces an unprecedented crisis of chaos. Amid this, voices like those of Seo Gang-il (Chairman) showing only loyalty toward Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman) and seeking to protect vested interests are emerging throughout the football community. The need for major reforms is growing not just within the Korea Football Association but across all of Korean football.

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*This content was translated by AI.