Hong Jun-pyo on turmoil in soccer world: "We must sort out those who act recklessly, intoxicated by superficial pride"

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo Criticizes Korean Soccer Daily
Sharp Remark Toward Lee Kang-in... "Also Expelled from Politics"

Amid ongoing controversies surrounding discord within the national soccer team, Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, sharply stated, "It is time to sort out players who are XXX (a slang term meaning 'rude'), and those who act recklessly, intoxicated by superficial pride."

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu.
Photo by Yoon Dong-joo, Asia Economy

On the 16th, Mayor Hong posted on his social media (SNS), "Before being good at politics or skilled at kicking the ball, seniors and juniors must respect each other. Those who act XXX (rude) just because they briefly gained fame damage team spirit and lower the national team's performance," adding, "Teamwork is especially important in team sports like soccer."

Mayor Hong argued, "Just as politicians are ousted regardless of ability when criticized, the same logic applies in soccer and sports because both worlds are based on the sentiments of the people." He continued, "At this time, players who are XXX, and those who act recklessly, intoxicated by superficial pride, must be sorted out," urging, "Such people should be removed so that the national team matches, which are national events, can be enjoyed as festivals."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo speaking about the South Korean national football team.
[Photo by Hong Joon-pyo Facebook]

These remarks by Mayor Hong are interpreted as targeting Lee Kang-in, a forward for the South Korean national soccer team. It was previously reported that Lee Kang-in clashed with team captain Son Heung-min, who is nine years his senior, ahead of the Asian Cup semifinal match against Jordan. In response, on the 14th, Lee Kang-in apologized on his SNS, saying, "I should have taken the lead in following the seniors' words, but I showed an unfavorable image to soccer fans, and I am sorry," and "I apologize to many who were disappointed in me."

In addition to this player, Mayor Hong has called for the dismissal of J?rgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, and the resignation of Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association. On the 14th, Hong posted on his SNS, "If Klinsmann is not dismissed, I will not watch the national team matches," criticizing, "I can no longer tolerate the absurd behavior of a single incompetent coach who looks down on this country and undermines its national dignity." He added, "Officials in the football association who claim that the cause of failure is not the coach's incompetence but player discord must also wake up. That is also a failure in player management." Furthermore, he said, "Since Chung Mong-gyu has held a long tenure as the football association president, it is right for him to resign," adding, "Even the president serves a single term; if he served three terms, he should step down."

Meanwhile, Coach Klinsmann was dismissed after 11 months in office. The Korea Football Association announced on the afternoon of the 16th that they had notified Klinsmann of his dismissal ahead of President Chung's press conference. President Chung explained the reason for the dismissal, saying, "Klinsmann did not demonstrate the leadership required of a national team coach in game management, player management, and work attitude."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.