Ki Sung-yueng: 'Football Figures Must Awaken,' Reflects on Korean Soccer's Future

Ki Sung-yueng, a former captain of the South Korean national football team, has called for a period of self-reflection among those involved in the sport, questioning his own past contributions. The veteran player, now with Pohang Steelers, expressed a desire for significant reform within Korean football.

Reflecting on the recent World Cup qualification campaign, Ki recalled the team's initial strong performance against Mexico, which fueled hopes of advancing. He shared his disappointment and regret over the team's subsequent elimination, acknowledging the public's understandable frustration. "As a player who experienced it, it's very regrettable that it ended like this, and I fully understand the public's disappointment," Ki stated.

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As a player who experienced it, it's very regrettable that it ended like this, and I fully understand the public's disappointment.

Ki emphasized the need for Korean football to undergo substantial changes. "Football figures need to awaken," he urged, adding, "We need to reflect a lot. I am also a football figure, but I often think about whether I have truly done something, or worked hard, for Korean football."

His comments, made during an appearance on the tvN program 'You Quiz on the Block,' highlight a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current state of the sport in South Korea. The national team's performance has sparked widespread debate about the future direction and necessary improvements.

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Football figures need to awaken. We need to reflect a lot. I am also a football figure, but I often think about whether I have truly done something, or worked hard, for Korean football.