Football Association Controversy Surfaces at South Korean PM Nominee Hearing

During the second day of confirmation hearings for Prime Minister nominee Han Duck-soo, lawmakers brought up the ongoing controversy surrounding the Korea Football Association. Independent lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin criticized what he called a "cartel" within the association, suggesting it monopolizes power and hinders structural reform in South Korean football.

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The football association cartel is ruining South Korean football. For decades, there have been claims that if you don't attend a specific university, you can't become a national player, no matter how hard you try.

Choi humorously noted that while the hearing focused on politics, the national team's recent performance had also captured public attention. The team had failed to advance to the World Cup knockout stage after a loss to South Africa. He specifically pointed to decades-old claims that players must attend certain universities to have a chance at the national team, regardless of their talent.

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The issues related to the football association, I don't need to say much, as the entire nation is speaking about it with great anger, so it will be resolved well.

Han Duck-soo responded that the public's strong emotions regarding the football association's issues indicate that the problems will likely be resolved. Special Committee Chair Baek Hye-ryun remarked that some jokingly suggested the hearing should focus on national team coach Hong Myung-bo instead of the nominee. However, she affirmed the committee's commitment to conducting the hearing diligently from the public's perspective.

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I even heard a joke today that we should be questioning coach Hong Myung-bo, not nominee Han Duck-soo. Nevertheless, we will diligently conduct the hearing from the public's perspective.

Another lawmaker, Park Sun-won, drew a parallel between Han Duck-soo and former national team coach Guus Hiddink, suggesting that Han, like Hiddink, was chosen for his unconventional background rather than typical bureaucratic or academic experience. He urged Han to emulate Hiddink's success, to which the nominee pledged to work hard.

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Han Duck-soo is not a typical bureaucrat or professor we often see; I believe the president selected him because he is like Hiddink. Please become like Hiddink.