Lee Chun-soo slams Moon Jin-hee, Hong Myung-bo over 'attitude controversy'
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former football player Lee Chun-soo criticized the attitude of former Korea Football Association (KFA) referee committee chair Moon Jin-hee and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
- Lee specifically pointed to Moon's demeanor during a parliamentary hearing and Hong's habit of putting hands in pockets during public appearances as examples of poor conduct.
- He argued that referees must admit mistakes to ensure fair play in football and that the ideal referee operates with minimal presence.
Former South Korean football star Lee Chun-soo has strongly criticized the conduct of Moon Jin-hee, the former chair of the Korea Football Association's (KFA) referee committee, and Hong Myung-bo, a former national team coach. Lee expressed his disapproval of their attitudes, particularly highlighting Moon's behavior during a recent parliamentary hearing.
I think it was wrong. You can feel upset, but it was a situation where the public was watching, and it could have been a moment to greet the changes coming to the KFA. Their actions and expressions were problematic.
In a YouTube video titled 'Shocking Attitude of the Referee Committee Chair at the Hearing,' Lee focused on Moon's conduct during the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee hearing on July 30. "I think it was wrong. You can feel upset, but it was a situation where the public was watching, and it could have been a moment to greet the changes coming to the KFA. Their actions and expressions were problematic," Lee commented, criticizing Moon's demeanor.
Lee further escalated his criticism by referencing instances where both Moon and Hong were seen with their hands in their pockets during official events. "Both Myung-bo hyung and Moon should have their hands cut off," he stated, emphasizing the perceived lack of respect and professionalism.
Both Myung-bo hyung and Moon should have their hands cut off.
Lee also shared his views on the perceived authoritarian attitude of some referees in the K League. While acknowledging the difficulty of making split-second decisions, he directly stated, "Referees these days seem arrogant." He added, "If they make a mistake, they should admit it. If they stick together and deny their mistakes, it's maddening. In a sport like football where the outcome is crucial, not admitting errors is unfair."
Referees these days seem arrogant.
Lee believes the ideal referee operates with an "invisible presence," managing the game smoothly without drawing attention to themselves. "The best referees are those who don't stand out. They aren't mentioned, and you don't even know they're there, but the game continues accurately. Today's referees seem to stand out," he observed, suggesting they might be seeking attention.
If they make a mistake, they should admit it. If they stick together and deny their mistakes, it's maddening. In a sport like football where the outcome is crucial, not admitting errors is unfair.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.