'Concerns over 'Hong Myung-bo's Team' Emerge, Ahn Jung-hwan Speaks Out: "The Public Can Naturally Criticize, but We Must Wait for Results" [TikitaKa Show] [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former South Korean national soccer team player Ahn Jung-hwan shared his thoughts on "Hong Myung-bo's Team," which is challenging for the "2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup." As a key figure in the "2002 Korea-Japan World Cup semi-final miracle," having shed blood and sweat alongside head coach Hong Myung-bo, he expressed his deep affection.

On the morning of the 21st, a production announcement for the TikTok long-form original variety program "Tikiti Tika Taka Talk Talk Show" (hereinafter "TikitaKa Show") was held at The Link Seoul Hotel in Sillim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. Yoon Cheol, Head of News & Sports at TikTok Korea, director Kim Dong-wook PD, and main MCs Ahn Jung-hwan, DinDin, and Lee Eun-ji attended the event.

"TikitaKa Show" is TikTok's first original variety program produced in-house in Korea and the country's first long-form variety content. It is a battle-style talk variety program that can be enjoyed by both those well-versed in soccer and those unfamiliar with the sport.

On this day, Ahn Jung-hwan shared his thoughts, noting that soccer fans have expressed significant concerns regarding "Hong Myung-bo's Team." He stated, "I am also somewhat concerned about the (North, Central America and Caribbean) World Cup. Interest in soccer has also dropped significantly. However, if you think carefully, whenever we prepare for the World Cup, there has always been noise at the starting stage, regardless of who takes the coach's position. Although there are currently discussions about various unclean processes, we have simply forgotten them; such noise has always existed. I am cautious about how my remarks will be received. With the World Cup approaching, I believe it is appropriate to discuss these matters only after the results are in and everything is concluded."

Ahn Jung-hwan added, "If the results are poor, I will naturally criticize. I can state my opinion on what was done wrong. However, speaking without reason is not good. If you are a soccer fan or a member of the public when mistakes are made, you can and should naturally criticize. I believe the coach and players are the ones who must bear that criticism."

He then lightened the mood with a joke, saying, "I received a lot of criticism during my playing days, so I will criticize a lot. Very much so."

"TikitaKa Show" will stream every Monday and Thursday at 8 p.m. on the TikTok Korea account starting from the 25th, consisting of a total of 12 episodes.

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*This content was translated by AI.