K League president reflects on 13 years of growth, professionalism

Kwon Oh-gap, president of the Korea Professional Football League (KFA), reflects on his 13-year tenure, highlighting the transformation of the K League into a more professional and fan-centric organization. Kwon, who also holds the honorary chairman position at HD Hyundai, has a long history in Korean football, dating back to the 2002 World Cup bid.

During his leadership, the K League saw the successful implementation of a promotion-relegation system between the first and second divisions, the rapid adoption of video assistant referee (VAR) technology, and the standardization of data generation and distribution. These initiatives, though costly and time-consuming, significantly boosted fairness and fan confidence. The league also moved away from free tickets, establishing a 'paid spectator' culture that strengthened fan loyalty and attracted more families.

"The most challenging tasks were establishing the K League 1-2 promotion-relegation system, introducing Asia's fastest VAR system to both divisions, and creating and distributing standardized data," Kwon stated. "These were time-consuming and expensive projects, but they became opportunities to enhance fairness and fan trust." He noted that the league has now seen three consecutive years with over 3 million spectators and has expanded to 29 clubs across the top two divisions.

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The most challenging tasks were establishing the K League 1-2 promotion-relegation system, introducing Asia's fastest VAR system to both divisions, and creating and distributing standardized data. These were time-consuming and expensive projects, but they became opportunities to enhance fairness and fan trust.

Kwon also prioritized human capital development within the league and its clubs. He established a football industry academy to train club executives and staff in areas like finance, marketing, and operations, aiming to foster an industrial perspective and enhance international competitiveness. The KFA's staff has grown from 16 to nearly 50, with a budget increase from 20 billion to 50 billion won, incorporating professionals like lawyers and accountants and encouraging international experience.

"The most important thing in any business is people," Kwon said. "People must unite based on fairness and consistent principles, and share a common direction. To do this well, they need skills." He believes his management philosophy, emphasizing consistency between words and actions, has been key to driving these changes. Kwon's tenure has been marked by a commitment to transparency, evident in his decision to remove office cubicles and encourage open communication, transforming the KFA into a more efficient and collaborative organization.

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The most important thing in any business is people. People must unite based on fairness and consistent principles, and share a common direction. To do this well, they need skills.