Vice Minister Kim Daehyun: "Will Meet with Korea Football Association... Considering the Most Desirable Approach"

"Of course, we must meet and communicate with the Korea Football Association. We will do so. We are considering the most desirable approach."

Daehyun Kim, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed his willingness to meet with the Korea Football Association to resolve the long-standing conflict during a press briefing held at a restaurant in Yeouido on the 18th.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Football Association have been at odds for over a year, clashing over the dismissal of former national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann and the process of appointing his successor. The inauguration of the new administration has provided an opportunity for a shift in the situation. In May, Seunghee Kim, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Korea Football Association, emphasized communication, stating, "We will communicate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and football fans to meet their expectations."

Daehyun Kim, who took office as the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on August 14, also expressed his intention to engage in dialogue. Kim stated, "Just as in an ordinary family, if relations between the main house and the smaller house are strained, it is not good for anyone. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is like the main house, and it is regrettable that we have demanded audits and disciplinary actions against the Korea Football Association and even engaged in legal battles. We must resolve this in a positive direction for the public."

However, Kim added, "I believe the public holds the key. If the public is concerned and opposed, we cannot proceed with administration against their wishes." He continued, "It is important for things to return to normal and be resolved in a positive atmosphere, but I think we need more time to fully understand the public's sentiment."

Kim Daehyun, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is explaining the government's policy direction for the sports sector at a press briefing held at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

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The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee also had conflicts with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but the atmosphere changed when Seungmin Yoo was inaugurated as president earlier this year. Minister Hwiyeong Choi met with President Yoo about a week after taking office on July 31, and Vice Minister Daehyun Kim also met with President Yoo the day before. Kim explained, "President Yoo and I have known each other like brothers since long before he became president of the Table Tennis Association. We had a comfortable conversation about various topics."

On this day, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that the Lee Jaemyung administration's national sports policy tasks include creating an environment for easy access to sports for all, realizing welfare for athletes befitting a leading sports nation, and expanding international sports exchanges. In particular, regarding the creation of a sports-friendly environment, the ministry specified its goal to achieve a 65% participation rate in everyday sports among the general public and a 40% participation rate among people with disabilities by 2030.

Vice Minister Daehyun Kim stated, "We will pursue sports that promote health," adding, "We will implement policies so that sports directly contribute to the health of the public."

Kim also showed a firm commitment to eradicating violence and sexual violence in the sports field. He emphasized, "When violence, sexual violence, or corruption occurs in sports organizations, many achievements in the sports sector are often wiped out at once. I believe the fundamental value of sports is fairness, and I will strive to ensure fair sports."

To eradicate violence and corruption, Kim announced plans to strengthen the role of the Sports Ethics Center, which has been established for over five years. He said, "The number of staff at the Sports Ethics Center has increased from 10 to 50, and the budget has surpassed 10 billion won, so it is finding its footing, but it is still in the early stages. We will continue to increase the budget and personnel."

Daehyun Kim, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is explaining the government's policy direction in the sports sector at a press conference held at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

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Last month, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to significantly strengthen the investigative authority of the Sports Ethics Center and the ministry's authority to take action in order to eradicate violence and corruption. If a sports organization imposes insufficient disciplinary action, the Sports Ethics Center will be able to request re-discipline, and if this request is not fulfilled, the ministry will be able to take measures such as suspending financial support.

Regarding this, Kim said, "In the past, sports organizations often ended cases of violence or corruption with lenient, slap-on-the-wrist punishments, but to address these issues, we have granted the authority to review and re-discipline cases where the punishment is too light. Previously, the process ended at one stage, but now there are two or three levels of review to ensure strict discipline."

Kim also mentioned next year's Milan Winter Olympics and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saying, "We are no longer in an era where only results matter, but achieving good results brings joy to the public. We will make sure there is ample support for training and other needs for international sporting events."

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