Park Ji-sung Named Head Of South Korea Football Reform Committee
Former Manchester United player Park Ji-sung has been named head of South Korea's new football reform committee following the nation's failure to advance past the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage.
Former South Korean national team player Park Ji-sung has been appointed chairman of South Korea's football reform committee following the country's first-round elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The failure has become a national-level issue, with President Yoon Suk-yeol publicly criticizing the patronage system. Many have directed blame at coach Hong Myung-bo, who was appointed without a proper selection process.
South Korea has now established the "K-Football Innovation Committee," co-chaired by Park Ji-sung, a former Manchester United player, and Chae Hoi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The committee also includes Yu Sung-min, chairman of the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee; Kim Sung-hee, KFA executive director; and former national team players Lee Young-pyo, ex-Tottenham defender, and Park Joo-ho, ex-Borussia Dortmund player.
The committee's mission is to find solutions and implement measures to enhance South Korea's football competitiveness on the global stage. Its scope covers football governance, youth player development, and the application of cutting-edge technology.
"With this committee, we will work to set a new direction for Korean football and create a sustainable future for growth," Park Ji-sung said in a statement released by the ministry.
