“Korean Football is Ruined”… Koo Ja-cheol’s Frank Remarks, Lee Kang-in Also Agrees

Former South Korean football player and administrator Koo Ja-cheol has sharply criticized the current state of Korean football, drawing a stark contrast with Japan's advanced development systems. In an interview with sports channel SPOTV, Koo expressed his dismay over the perceived stagnation in South Korea's football infrastructure.

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For 10 to 20 years, advanced systems in our country, I think, have only reached 10%, while Japan has achieved 90% or even 110% out of 100%.

"For 10 to 20 years, advanced systems in our country, I think, have only reached 10%, while Japan has achieved 90% or even 110% out of 100%," Koo stated, emphasizing the significant gap in development. Koo, who currently holds administrative roles including technical part at Jeju United and as an Asian Technical Director for Bayern Munich and LAFC, pointed to structural problems within the football association.

He stressed that political issues need to be resolved by those in administrative positions, specifically mentioning the need for collaboration between the Korea Football Association and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Koo advocated for a more proactive approach, suggesting that if they lack knowledge, they should recruit capable individuals from Europe rather than wasting resources.

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Political issues are things that administrators must solve. It's a problem that the Korea Football Association and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism must solve.

"If you don't know, don't spend money elsewhere; bring in capable people from Europe and save yourselves," he advised, lamenting the overly conservative direction Korean football has taken. His comments reflect a broader concern among some in the South Korean sports community about the pace of modernization and the willingness to adopt international best practices.

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If you don't know, don't spend money elsewhere; bring in capable people from Europe and save yourselves. We need to move forward proactively, but we are going too conservatively.