[Sportschosun Reporter Park A-ram] Ahn Jung-hwan spoke out directly about the criticism and controversy that poured in during the FIFA World Cup. He sharply criticized the Korea Football Association (KFA) and addressed the suspicions surrounding him one by one.
South Korea, which had been watching other group-stage matches after finishing third in its FIFA World Cup group, secured a place in the round of 32 on the 28th. As a result, head coach Hong Myung-bo held a press conference and resigned voluntarily. Football fans have criticized Ahn for not strongly calling out Hong's lack of tactics and the association's incompetence as South Korea was eliminated.
On the 29th, through a TikTok live broadcast, Ahn first bowed his head over the controversial phrase "worthless people," which he had used in the past.
After Son Heung-min was substituted early in the second group match against Mexico on the 19th, some commentators criticized Hong's substitution decisions. Ahn responded by criticizing them again and used the rather harsh expression "worthless people," which sparked controversy. Ahn acknowledged that the remark had been careless and apologized.
He then strongly called for reform within the KFA. Ahn said that "a sweeping overhaul of the KFA is needed, even if it means giving up results at the AFC Asian Cup in February," and added, "If nothing changes this time either, I will leave the football world even if I have to stage a one-man protest." He also raised the issue of a KFA cartel, saying, "I am the only one who has never entered the KFA," and questioned why people who had been inside the organization had not spoken up in the past.
He also addressed the suspicions directed at him. On allegations that he had received preferential treatment in obtaining a P-level coaching license, he dismissed the claims, saying, "I prepared steadily for 10 years, and I actually paid more in costs." In response to criticism that he was only active as an entertainer after leaving football, he explained, "I have continued to support university and high school youth teams and help develop tournaments."
Regarding criticism that he remained silent about the so-called "Park Joo-ho incident" during Hong's appointment process, he said, "I could not say anything because I knew nothing about the situation at the time." He also said he had never heard of the widely discussed "Hong Myung-bo bakery meeting."
Finally, Ahn also asked people to refrain from criticism unrelated to football. He said, "The hardest thing is for the national team players who are out on the pitch," and appealed for support rather than excessive criticism of the players.
Given the disappointment over the World Cup results, criticism of Ahn had grown louder. But through this live broadcast, he laid out his views and vision for Korean football without holding back. Meanwhile, Ahn is expected to meet fans again in September through commentary for the Asian Games.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
