"Apology for offensive remarks and call for resignation": Soccer fans enraged, Jeonbuk Football Association website flooded with posts criticizing Seo Gang-il (Chairman) for insults directed at Park Ji-sung and others

*This content was translated by AI.

A fierce backlash has erupted following a media interview by Seo Kang-il, president of the Jeonbuk Football Association, in which he sharply criticized the K-Football Innovation Committee composed of national team veterans including Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo, while defending former President Chung Mong-gyu, who resigned under a cloud of disgrace.

On the 18th, the Jeonbuk Football Association's online bulletin board saw a continuous stream of posts condemning Seo Gang-il (Chairman), such as "We demand an apology and resignation from Seo Gang-il (Chairman) for his offensive remarks," "We denounce Seo Kang-il, president of the Jeonbuk Football Association," and "We demand immediate resignation and a public apology to the nation."

Throughout this year, only two posts had appeared on the Jeonbuk Football Association's free bulletin board. However, in just three days since the controversy surrounding Seo Gang-il (Chairman)'s interview on the 16th, no fewer than 200 posts have been published. Despite requiring users to complete a membership registration process before posting, soccer fans' fury has been directly channeled to the Jeonbuk Football Association's website.

Although the top of the Jeonbuk Football Association bulletin board states that "posts containing profanity or defamation may be punished under the Information and Communications Network Act, Criminal Act, and Special Act on Sexual Violence," soccer fans are expressing their anger toward Seo Gang-il (Chairman) through posts filled with harsh vulgarities.

Previously, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) sparked controversy with what amounted to an "offensive interview" during a KBS interview, stating things like, "What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know that they should lead the Innovation Committee?" or "(Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo) — what do they know to speak so recklessly? They were national team players as soccer athletes, but how long have they lived their lives, how much law do they know, and how much social experience do they have to serve as chair of the Innovation Committee?" Park Ji-sung currently serves as chairman of the K-Football Innovation Committee, launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, while commentator Lee Young-pyo, a former national team player, is also active as an innovation committee member.

Seo Gang-il (Chairman) also voiced criticism regarding efforts to amend regulations for the election of the Korea Football Association (KFA) president under the leadership of the K-Football Innovation Committee, stating, "According to the current KFA bylaws, a by-election must be held within 60 days. Why try to rewrite the bylaws? Without a president, administration will paralyze. We have the Asian Games and A-matches to play; how can we appoint a coach without Ha Neun-de (Chairman)?"

Seo (Chairman) also expressed the opinion that "sometimes mistakes must be forgiven and understood" regarding the controversy over pardoning individuals involved in match-fixing, which had been pushed forward under former President Chung Mong-gyu but was ultimately abandoned due to fierce public criticism. Regarding Jeon (Chairman), he stated, "Everyone except God has made trial-and-error mistakes," adding, "(Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)) is not someone who should have received this level of criticism." He also remarked, "People call it '13 years in power' toward Jeong (Chairman), but I consider it '13 years of sacrifice.'"

Following the release of these interview remarks, a wave of harsh criticism was directed at President Seo Kang-il, and ultimately, the Jeonbuk Football Association under his leadership also failed to escape the intense anger of soccer fans. Notably, Seo Gang-il (Chairman) has served as president of the Jeonbuk Football Association since January last year despite having no background in soccer and no prior connection to the sport at all. During the previous presidential election, he publicly endorsed Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), and Jeong (Chairman) attended Seo Kang-il's inauguration ceremony as president of the Jeonbuk Football Association after traveling to Jeonju, Jeonbuk, while still a candidate. Recently, along with Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), he also observed the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup. According to Seo (Chairman), he personally covered only the cost of upgrading his business-class seat, while accommodation and meals were supported by the football association.

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*This content was translated by AI.