As the controversy surrounding the election of the next president of the Korea Football Association and the appointment of the national team coach continues, Park Ji-sung, head of the innovation committee, has publicly addressed comments made by Seo Gang-il, president of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Football Association.
On July 20, various online communities circulated a video of Park Ji-sung during the third meeting of the K-Football Innovation Committee, which was launched the same day to reform Korean football. In the video, a reporter asks Park about Seo's recent remarks expressing opposition to him.
Park responded, "I believe that his opinion came from his own thoughts," but added, "The fact that many people reacted negatively shows that his actions were ultimately inappropriate for his position." He further stated, "I think the football community can recover depending on how people in such positions behave and what they say in the future."
Viewers of the video commented on Park's demeanor, noting, "You can see he was upset, but he remained calm," and "It's hard to say he doesn't understand administration; he has gained experience on a much larger stage." Others remarked, "He spoke indirectly but delivered a critical blow," and "He summed it up by saying to act according to one's position." Many noted that Park's statements have become more assertive since the recent World Cup.
Earlier, on July 16, Seo Gang-il criticized Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo in an interview with KBS, saying, "What do Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo know to be part of the innovation committee? How can they speak so carelessly?" He added, "While they were national team players, how much life experience, legal knowledge, and social experience do they have to lead the innovation committee? Instead of just criticizing, they should run for president themselves."
Seo also criticized the current method of electing the president of the Korea Football Association, stating, "According to the current regulations, a by-election must be held within 60 days," and argued against direct elections, saying, "If there is no president, the administration of the football association will be paralyzed."
Regarding Chung Mong-kyu, the former president of the Korea Football Association, Seo remarked, "It was not a 13-year reign but a 13-year sacrifice," and commented on the controversy surrounding the pardon of those involved in match-fixing, saying, "It was just a matter of timing; forgiveness and understanding were necessary."
Following the interview, Seo's background was also scrutinized online. According to available information, Seo worked at Hyundai Motor from 1987 to 2007 and is currently the CEO of Sejin Industrial, an auto parts company. He has also served as vice president of the Jeonju Football Association and vice president of the Wanju County Sports Council.
Additionally, Sejin Industrial, where Seo is CEO, has a Job Planet corporate rating of 1.8 out of 5, with reviews describing it as a "company without processes," noting issues like "daily overtime" and "no weekend pay," which have also circulated online.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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