Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Amorepacific Group Reports 53% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Amid Global Growth
    Amorepacific Group Reports 53% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Amid Global Growth Amorepacific Group reported double-digit growth in both sales and operating profit for the second quarter of this year, driven by strong performance in key domestic and international markets. On July 30, Amorepacific Group announced that its consolidated sales for the second quarter reached 1.2543 trillion won, with operating profit at 122.8 billion won. These figures represent increases of 14.6% and 53.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. In the domestic market, key product categories such as luxury, dermacosmetics, and hair care experienced steady growth. Notably, online and multi-brand shop (MBS) channels saw double-digit growth, contributing to improved performance. The operating profit margin for domestic operations also reached around 10%. Internationally, the company continued to grow in key markets, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Japan. In EMEA, COSRX ranked first in the beauty category on Amazon in Germany and the UK, while in Japan, it was recognized as the top brand in the first half of the 'Qoo10 Japan Mega Beauty Awards 2026.' Amorepacific, the group's flagship subsidiary, saw its sales and operating profit increase by 17% and 59%, respectively, driving overall group performance. Domestic sales rose by 10%, with operating profit up by 48%. By brand, Sulwhasoo and Hera showed strong sales across major channels, while AESTURA, led by its 'Atobarrier 365' line, demonstrated significant growth in MBS and online channels. The overseas business expanded its global growth base, with sales increasing by 28% and operating profit soaring by 99%. The performance in North America and EMEA was particularly strong, while Japan and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets also showed solid growth across key online and offline channels. In North America, AESTURA's 'Atobarrier 365 Cream' achieved triple-digit sales growth through Amazon and Sephora channels. Conversely, brands such as Innisfree, Etude, Espoir, and Amos Professional experienced declines in sales and operating profit due to channel efficiency measures. However, Osulloc continued to grow, benefiting from increased online gift set sales and rising revenue from its Matcha Station and Matcha Noodle Bar at the Jeju Tea Museum. An Amorepacific Group representative stated, "We are committed to leading the global beauty and wellness industry through our mid- to long-term vision, 'Create New Beauty.' To achieve this, we are focusing on five strategic initiatives: nurturing key global markets, enhancing integrated beauty solutions, advancing bio-technology-based anti-aging research and development, fostering agile organizational innovation, and transitioning to AI-driven operations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:52:20
  • Shinsegae Centum City Expands Summer Attractions and Continues Scholarship Program
    Shinsegae Centum City Expands Summer Attractions and Continues Scholarship Program Shinsegae Centum City is launching a series of pop-up stores this summer, featuring eyewear, smartphones, and fashion goods. The shopping center is also continuing its scholarship program for local youth, now in its 18th year, which began in 2009.The pop-up store for the eyewear brand 'MUUT' will be open on the fourth floor of the department store until August 12.Under the slogan 'Always Curious,' MUUT reinterprets eyewear as a fashion accessory rather than just a vision correction tool. Customers who purchase at least one eyewear item during the pop-up will receive a 'minimal vacation bag' on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, purchasing collaborative products from the brand 'MISEKI' and the 'MEND Collection' will entitle customers to a Polaroid photo service and an extra vacation bag.Samsung Galaxy New Product Pop-Up... Pre-orders for Foldable Lineup BeginShinsegae Centum City is hosting a pop-up event on the B2 and 7th floors until August 5, where customers can experience Samsung's latest foldable smartphones.With the slogan 'Foldable, Completion and New Beginning,' this pop-up allows customers to try out the new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 models, as well as receive pre-order and purchase consultations. The pre-order period runs from July 28 to August 3, with activation starting on August 4.Pre-order customers will benefit from the 'Double Storage' offer, which provides free or discounted upgrades on storage capacity. Customers purchasing the 256GB model will receive a free upgrade to 512GB, while those buying the 512GB model can upgrade to 1TB at a 50% discount. Additionally, customers will receive a 10% discount coupon for the Galaxy Watch9 Ultra2 and a 30% discount coupon for exclusive accessories and cases. Embracing Korean Beauty... National Geographic Apparel X Cultural Heritage Administration Pop-UpShinsegae Centum City is operating a pop-up store for the 'K-Heritage' collection by National Geographic Apparel in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Administration on the basement level until today.This collection features modern graphics and designs inspired by traditional Korean elements such as Hangeul, folk paintings, and mother-of-pearl. The pop-up showcases a variety of products, including T-shirts, outerwear, and running concept items featuring Hangeul, the Ten Symbols of Longevity, and Dancheong graphics, as well as children's items like dresses and pajama sets, with some products available in limited quantities.Accessories such as mother-of-pearl keychains, square carabiner keychains, round folding fans, and business card cases are also for sale.The pop-up space includes photo zones, folk painting zones, Hangeul zones, and mother-of-pearl zones, offering visitors a chance to participate in a gacha machine for a chance to win a sock set or mug by uploading their visit on social media. A promotion is also running where customers can receive a mother-of-pearl hand mirror and a personalized wooden stamp based on their purchase amount.18th Hope Scholarship for Local Talent... 130 Million Won Awarded to 122 YouthOn July 16, Shinsegae Centum City held the '18th Hope Scholarship Award Ceremony' at the department store, distributing 130 million won in scholarships to 122 local youth.Among them, 50 middle and high school students from Haeundae District received 5 million won each, totaling 50 million won. Haeundae District recommended these students, who face academic challenges due to financial difficulties.Attendees at the ceremony included Kim Seong-soo, Mayor of Haeundae District; Han Dong-in, Director of Planning at Busan Metropolitan Office of Education; Jo Yu-jin, Head of the Busan Regional Office of the Green Umbrella Child Fund; and Kwak Young-min, Manager of Shinsegae Centum City.Since its opening in 2009, this initiative has reached its 18th year, with a total donation amount of 2.19 billion won and over 2,200 beneficiaries.Shinsegae Centum City has also launched a local coexistence campaign, 'SHINSEGAE LOVES BUSAN,' and established a volunteer group under the same name to expand its community support activities.Kim Seong-soo expressed gratitude to Shinsegae Centum City for its consistent support, stating, 'I appreciate Shinsegae Centum City for continuously helping local youth not to give up on their dreams due to financial difficulties.' He added, 'We will further expand public-private cooperation and welfare resource connections to ensure that our youth can focus on their studies in a stable environment and nurture their future dreams.'Kwak Young-min stated, 'We will continue to support children who will lead the future of our community, so they can pursue their studies with hope and courage.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:52:00
  • National Pension Fund Faces 200 Trillion Won Loss Amid Market Volatility
    National Pension Fund Faces 200 Trillion Won Loss Amid Market Volatility Recent estimates suggest that the National Pension Service's evaluation gains from domestic stocks have sharply declined amid increasing market volatility.On July 30, related industry sources and online communities reported the spread of these estimates.The disclosed data includes projections of the National Pension's evaluation gains based on fluctuations in the KOSPI index, as well as analyses regarding the extension of the pension depletion period. Notably, the data indicates that while the KOSPI reached approximately 314 trillion won in mid-June, when it was around 9,100 points, it has recently dropped to an estimated 95 trillion won due to falling stock prices. This decline translates to a loss exceeding 200 trillion won on paper.The controversy centers on the issues of insufficient 'rebalancing' and 'equity in disclosures.' During market upswings, unrealized gains were promoted as a means to extend the pension depletion period, but critics argue that there has been a lack of official explanations regarding the substantial unrealized losses and declines in evaluation gains during downturns.According to data from the Korea Exchange, pension funds, including the National Pension, were net buyers in the KOSPI market, purchasing over 100 billion won even during the market downturn in July. On days when the market experienced significant declines, they maintained a net buying trend, acquiring more than 110 billion won, prioritizing purchases over realizing profits through sales.As news of this situation spread, criticism erupted on internet communities and social media. Users expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "When profits were up, they promoted unrealized gains to delay pension depletion, but now they remain silent amid hundreds of trillions in evaluation losses," and "The National Pension has only enriched foreign investors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:48:00
  • Lotte Innovate Shares Surge Over 10% Following Strong Q2 Earnings
    Lotte Innovate Shares Surge Over 10% Following Strong Q2 Earnings Lotte Innovate's shares have surged more than 10% following the announcement of strong second-quarter earnings.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:30 PM, Lotte Innovate's stock was trading at 17,640 won, up 1,610 won (10.04%) from the previous trading day. The company started the day on a weak note but began to gain momentum after announcing its Q2 results at 10:10 AM.Lotte Innovate reported a consolidated operating profit of 12.4 billion won for the second quarter of this year, a 54% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period remained stable at 274.5 billion won, while the operating profit margin rose by 1.7 percentage points to 4.5%.The company attributed its improved performance to selective orders focused on profitability, enhanced project execution efficiency, and the recovery of profits from key subsidiaries.Lotte Innovate is also expanding its medium- to long-term growth initiatives. The company plans to strengthen its business in data center design, construction, and operation (DBO) and artificial intelligence transformation (AX), while actively targeting AX demand from both group companies and external clients using its own AI platform, 'iMember,' and external generative AI.A Lotte Innovate representative stated, "We will continue our profitability-focused management approach while actively commercializing future growth businesses such as data center DBO and AX to solidify our sustainable growth foundation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:48:00
  • South Korea to field about 1,100 athletes at Asian Games in Japan this fall
    South Korea to field about 1,100 athletes at Asian Games in Japan this fall SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea will field about 1,100 athletes in 41 disciplines at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan this fall, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Thursday. According to the ministry, an intra-agency task force formed to prepare for the 20th Asian Games is holding its first meeting ahead of the quadrennial sporting event, slated to take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, which would bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries. The task force, consisting of sports experts, officials and other organizers, is discussing overall preparations as well as detailed administrative and medical support measures to help athletes maintain their performance and ensure their safety. It is also making arrangements to accommodate athletes, as this year's Asian Games will be held across multiple venues in Aichi, with some competitions taking place in other cities such as Shizuoka and Tokyo. Athletes may need to stay at several sites rather than in a single athletes' village. The ministry also plans to hold various events and exchange programs as part of efforts to promote Korean culture and tourism by leveraging strong interest in South Korean popular culture in Japan. During the ensuing Asian Para Games, which run from Oct. 18 to 24, drawing about 4,000 participants from 45 countries including some 300 South Korean athletes competing in 18 disciplines, similar events are also planned. "We will work with relevant agencies to proactively address any potential challenges and issues while providing the necessary support to help national team athletes compete at their best," said Kang Dae-geum, a ministry official. 2026-07-30 14:40:13
  • LG Electronics Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Home Appliances and Automotive Business
    LG Electronics Reports Record Q2 Revenue and Operating Profit Driven by Home Appliances and Automotive Business LG Electronics reported record revenue and operating profit for the second quarter of this year, driven by growth in its home appliances and automotive businesses. The expansion of premium product sales and improvements in cost competitiveness boosted profitability. The company is also accelerating growth in new businesses, including robotics and AI data center cooling solutions, alongside its B2B and subscription services.On July 30, LG Electronics announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 23.8265 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.5791 trillion won. This marks a 14.9% increase in revenue and a 147% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year.Despite unfavorable external conditions, such as conflicts in the Middle East, the home appliances division continued to show solid growth. Increased TV sales due to sporting events and growth in the automotive sector also contributed to the overall revenue increase.Operating profit more than doubled from the previous year, thanks to the revenue growth and the expansion of high-value product sales. Improvements in cost structures and supply chains, along with the implementation of an emergency management system to address uncertainties in the business environment, also enhanced profitability. The recognition of a one-time gain from tariff refunds on U.S. exports last year further contributed to this result.The B2B and subscription businesses, key components of the company's structural transformation, continued to grow. In the second quarter, B2B revenue reached 6.5 trillion won, a 5% increase from the same period last year. Excluding LG Innotek, the B2B segment accounted for 36% of total revenue.Revenue from the subscription business, which combines products and services, reached 660 billion won, also a 5% increase year-on-year. The company is expanding its competitive edge in home appliance subscriptions from the domestic market to overseas markets, strengthening its business model to generate continuous service revenue after product sales.The Home Appliance Solutions (HS) division recorded revenue of 7.0757 trillion won and an operating profit of 685.9 billion won. This marks the first time quarterly revenue exceeded 7 trillion won, with an operating profit margin nearing 10% at 9.7%.The two-track strategy targeting both premium products and mid-range volume zones has proven successful. Optimizing cost structures and supply chains, along with the tariff refund effect, contributed to profit growth. In response to potential demand stagnation in the third quarter, LG Electronics plans to focus on the relatively stable demand in the global South market and will also ramp up its robotics actuator business.The Media Solutions (MS) division, responsible for TV and platform businesses, reported revenue of 5.1146 trillion won and an operating profit of 219.4 billion won. Sales of premium TVs, including OLED and QNED models, increased, and the division continued to grow in the global South region. The expansion of the profitable webOS platform business also supported performance improvements.The Vehicle Solutions (VS) division achieved record revenue of 3.0259 trillion won and operating profit of 191.2 billion won for the second quarter. This marks the second consecutive quarter with revenue exceeding 3 trillion won, with an operating profit margin of 6.3%. The division is recognized for its stable revenue growth based on accumulated orders, establishing itself as a B2B cash cow.The Energy Solutions (ES) division reported revenue of 2.7261 trillion won and operating profit of 235.8 billion won. Increased sales of air conditioners overseas contributed to revenue growth, maintaining a solid operating profit margin of 8.6%.Leveraging its cooling and heating capabilities, LG Electronics is also expanding its AI data center (AIDC) cooling solutions business. The company’s independently developed cooling water distribution unit (CDU) is poised to enter the global AIDC supply chain. As the importance of heat management and energy efficiency in data centers grows with the expansion of AI infrastructure, LG plans to cultivate cooling solutions as a next-generation B2B growth driver.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:40:00
  • Lotte Fine Chemical Reports 611.5% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit
    Lotte Fine Chemical Reports 611.5% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit Lotte Fine Chemical announced on July 30 that it recorded sales of 586.3 billion won and an operating profit of 61.9 billion won for the second quarter of 2026. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 38.1%, while operating profit surged by 611.5%.The improvement in performance was influenced by a general market recovery due to rising international prices of major products and increased sales in specialty businesses, including food and pharmaceutical cellulose and semiconductor material TMAC.Sales of food and pharmaceutical cellulose began to ramp up in the second quarter, following production from the newly expanded facility. This cellulose is used in plant-based pharmaceutical capsules and tablet coatings, and the market has been steadily growing due to rising interest in health and wellness.Sales of TMAC, a semiconductor material, also increased in the second quarter, driven by rising demand in the semiconductor market. TMAC (tetramethylammonium chloride) is a key raw material for TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide), which is used in semiconductor and display circuit development processes.On the same day, Lotte Fine Chemical announced it would invest 13 billion won to expand TMAC production in response to increasing semiconductor demand. The company plans to raise its already leading TMAC production capacity from 55,000 tons per year to 64,000 tons by the second quarter of 2028, an increase of 9,000 tons, or about 16%.Lotte Fine Chemical is also expanding its clean ammonia business, including ship fuel supply, based on its infrastructure as Asia's largest ammonia terminal, aiming to become the leading clean ammonia hub in Asia.CEO Jeong Seung-won stated, "In the second quarter, our performance improved due to the overall market recovery of major products and the expansion of sales in specialty businesses like food and pharmaceutical cellulose and semiconductor material TMAC. We decided to invest in TMAC expansion to proactively respond to increasing semiconductor demand, and we will continue to strengthen our competitiveness in the eco-friendly business through the expansion of our ammonia ship fuel business."Meanwhile, Lotte Fine Chemical announced in April that it had commercialized ammonia ship fuel for the first time in the world.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:36:00
  • Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady
    Samsung Electronics Reports Record Earnings, Stock Remains Steady Samsung Electronics has reported its highest-ever earnings for the second quarter of this year, yet its stock has shown only modest gains. Analysts suggest that the market has already priced in much of the expected performance, leading to a cautious outlook on future profitability.As of 2:29 PM on the Korea Exchange, Samsung's stock was trading at 209,500 won, up 0.48% (1,000 won) from the previous trading day.On this day, Samsung announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 89.4924 trillion won, a staggering increase of 1,013.8% compared to the same period last year. Revenue surged to 171.4995 trillion won, up 130%, while net profit soared to 71.6245 trillion won, marking a 1,299.9% increase.This performance marks the third consecutive quarter of record earnings for Samsung. The Device Solutions (DS) division, which oversees the semiconductor business, was the primary driver of this success, reporting sales of 127.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.2 trillion won, both setting new records.In contrast, the Device Experience (DX) division, responsible for smartphones and home appliances, faced challenges due to rising component prices, generating sales of 48 trillion won but incurring an operating loss of 800 billion won.Market sentiment is currently focused more on future growth drivers and shareholder return policies rather than the record earnings themselves. Samsung announced a cash dividend of 374 won per share for both common and preferred stocks. The dividend yield stands at 0.1% for common shares and 0.2% for preferred shares, with a total dividend payout of approximately 24.559 trillion won. The record date for the dividend was June 30, and payments are scheduled for August 28.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:36:00
  • Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations
    Hyundai Motor union warns of disciplinary action over strike violations SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - Members of Hyundai Motor's labor union who continue working during scheduled strike hours could face disciplinary action, with additional walkouts threatened against entire departments if violations are confirmed, the union said Thursday. The warning came as the union entered its third round of partial strikes this week after wage and collective bargaining talks with the automaker stalled. The union plans four-hour walkouts through Friday, with both production and office workers taking part. Hyundai Motor shares were trading at 345,000 won as of 2:12 p.m. Thursday on the Korea Exchange, down 2.40%, or 8,500 won, from the previous close of 353,500 won. The stock had climbed as high as 369,000 won earlier in the session before falling back. It was not immediately clear whether the decline was tied to the strike or to broader market conditions. Unlike production workers, whose duties stop when assembly lines shut down, office employees often return to accumulated workloads after participating in strikes because many administrative responsibilities must still be completed afterward. Some office workers also handle time-sensitive tasks involving suppliers, financial institutions and other outside parties, making it difficult to suspend work without creating backlogs or missing contractual deadlines. The union said members who work during strike hours at management's request could face disciplinary measures, with additional strike action possible against their departments. It added that employees who voluntarily continue working without management's instruction could also face sanctions for violating strike guidelines. The union's stance has raised questions about the scope of its internal disciplinary authority. In a separate recent case, the Seoul Southern District Court ruled that a labor union could not expel members solely for refusing to participate in industrial action, saying the alleged violations and the union's disciplinary grounds had not been sufficiently established. The current round of walkouts will continue through Friday before the union begins its summer vacation. Its central strike committee is scheduled to meet on Aug. 11 to review the status of negotiations and decide whether to escalate industrial action. The union is seeking a 149,600-won increase in monthly base pay, a bonus equivalent to 30 percent of last year's net profit, a bonus increase from 750 percent to 800 percent of base pay, an extension of the retirement age linked to national pension eligibility, stronger job protections as artificial intelligence and robotics are introduced, and the adoption of a fully fixed monthly wage system. 2026-07-30 14:31:35
  • Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit
    Korean Football Association Faces Scrutiny After World Cup Exit 대한축구협회가 국회 청문회에 섰다. 국가대표팀이 2026 북중미 월드컵 조별리그에서 탈락한 뒤 협회 운영과 감독 선임 과정, 책임 소재를 따져야 한다는 목소리가 커진 데 따른 것이다. 정몽규 전 대한축구협회장과 홍명보 전 국가대표팀 감독도 출석해 성적 부진에 대해 사과했다. The Korean Football Association (KFA) faced a parliamentary hearing following the national team’s exit from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. This scrutiny arose from growing calls to examine the association's operations, the coaching appointment process, and accountability. Former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo attended the hearing and apologized for the team's poor performance. 축구대표팀은 경기에서 질 수 있다. 월드컵 탈락도 스포츠에서 일어날 수 있는 결과다. 그러나 중요한 결정을 내리는 절차가 불투명하고, 문제가 생긴 뒤에도 책임의 주체가 분명하지 않다면 얘기가 달라진다. 최근 국민이 축구협회에 묻는 것도 한 경기의 승패보다 협회가 어떤 기준으로 움직였는지에 가깝다. The national football team can lose matches, and failing to advance in the World Cup is a possible outcome in sports. However, the situation changes when the processes for making critical decisions are opaque, and accountability is unclear after issues arise. Recently, the public has been more concerned about the criteria guiding the KFA's actions than the outcome of a single match. 감독 선임 논란은 이를 잘 보여준다. 감독을 뽑는 과정에서 누가 어떤 권한을 행사했는지, 후보 검증과 면담은 정해진 절차에 따라 이뤄졌는지 충분히 설명되지 않았다. 청문회에서도 감독 결정 권한과 면담 방식 등을 둘러싼 질의가 이어졌고, 홍 전 감독은 특혜를 요구하거나 받은 적이 없다고 반박했다. The controversy surrounding the coaching appointment illustrates this issue well. There has been insufficient explanation regarding who exercised what authority in the selection process and whether candidate evaluations and interviews followed established procedures. During the hearing, questions continued about the authority in coaching decisions and the interview process, with Hong denying any requests for or receipt of special favors. 문제는 특정 인물을 비난하는 데 있지 않다. 같은 논란이 되풀이되지 않도록 절차를 고치는 일이 더 중요하다. 감독 선임 기준과 평가 항목, 의사결정권자의 권한과 책임을 명문화하고 주요 결정 과정은 기록으로 남겨야 한다. 설명할 수 없는 결정은 하지 않는다는 원칙부터 세워야 한다. The issue is not about blaming specific individuals. It is more important to reform the processes to prevent similar controversies from recurring. The criteria for coaching appointments, evaluation metrics, and the authority and responsibilities of decision-makers should be clearly defined, and key decision-making processes must be documented. A principle should be established that no decisions will be made without clear explanations. 최근 불거진 홍 전 감독의 법인카드 사용 논란도 마찬가지다. 협회가 제출한 자료에 따르면 홍 전 감독은 2024년 7월부터 2026년 5월까지 법인카드로 3742만원을 썼고, 이 가운데 1400만원가량이 자택이 있는 경기 성남시 분당구 일대에서 결제된 것으로 전해졌다. 주말과 공휴일 사용 내역도 있었다. 홍 전 감독은 외국인 코치들과의 회의와 경기 관찰 등 업무 목적으로 사용했고 모든 내역을 증빙·정산했다고 해명했다. The recent controversy over Hong's use of a corporate credit card is similar. According to documents submitted by the KFA, Hong spent approximately 37.42 million won on the card from July 2024 to May 2026, with about 14 million won spent in the Bundang area of Seongnam, where his home is located. There were also charges on weekends and holidays. Hong explained that the expenses were for work-related purposes, including meetings with foreign coaches and match observations, and that he provided documentation and reconciled all expenses. 현재 공개된 내용만으로 사적 유용 여부를 단정할 수는 없다. 그러나 협회의 관리 방식은 따져볼 필요가 있다. 자택 인근이나 휴일 사용에 추가 소명이 필요했다면 이를 누가 확인했는지, 회계 부서와 감사 기능은 제대로 작동했는지 밝혀야 한다. 법인카드 사용자가 유명 감독인지 일반 직원인지에 따라 관리 기준이 달라져서도 안 된다. It is not possible to definitively conclude whether there was personal misuse based solely on the information currently available. However, the KFA's management practices warrant scrutiny. If additional clarification was needed regarding expenses near his home or on holidays, it should be determined who verified this, and whether the accounting department and auditing functions were operating effectively. The management standards should not vary based on whether the credit card user is a well-known coach or an ordinary employee. 대한축구협회는 대표팀만 운영하는 조직이 아니다. 유소년과 생활축구, 지도자와 심판 육성, 각급 대표팀과 국내 대회 운영까지 한국 축구 전반을 책임진다. 그만큼 의사결정과 예산 집행에는 높은 투명성이 요구된다. 국민의 관심과 기업 후원, 공공 지원을 바탕으로 운영되는 조직이라면 내부 기준만 지켰다는 설명으로 충분하지 않다. The KFA is not just an organization that manages the national team. It is responsible for all aspects of Korean football, including youth and recreational football, the development of coaches and referees, and the operation of various national teams and domestic competitions. This broad responsibility necessitates a high level of transparency in decision-making and budget execution. For an organization that operates based on public interest, corporate sponsorship, and public support, merely adhering to internal standards is insufficient. 앞으로 축구협회가 해야 할 일은 분명하다. 회장과 집행부에 집중된 권한을 분산하고 이사회와 감사 기능을 강화해야 한다. 감독 선임과 주요 인사, 예산 집행 과정은 외부에서도 납득할 수 있도록 공개해야 한다. 문제가 확인되면 책임자를 바꾸는 데 그치지 말고 같은 일이 반복되지 않도록 규정을 손봐야 한다. The KFA has clear tasks ahead. It must decentralize the concentrated powers of the president and executive board and strengthen the board of directors and auditing functions. The processes for appointing coaches, key personnel, and budget execution should be made transparent to the public. When issues are identified, it is essential not only to change the responsible parties but also to revise regulations to prevent recurrence. 한국 축구에는 여전히 좋은 선수와 지도자, 수많은 팬이 있다. 협회가 이들의 기대를 뒷받침하려면 성적보다 먼저 운영의 기본을 바로잡아야 한다. 공정한 절차, 투명한 회계, 분명한 책임. 한국 축구가 다시 출발하려면 이 세 가지 원칙부터 지켜야 한다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 14:28:10