Culture minister: K-Football Innovation Committee takes first step, 5 days after meeting Park Ji-sung

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young called for reforms to the Korea Football Association's presidential election process as the K-Football Innovation Committee — co-chaired by Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min and FIFA committee member Park Ji-sung — held its inaugural meeting.

Choi said Tuesday on his social media that "the K-Football Innovation Committee has taken its first step," adding that it had been just five days since he met with committee co-chair Park.

The minister said the committee's opening session focused on finding the right direction so that the public can once again place their hopes in Korean football, and shared details of what was discussed.

He said there was broad consensus that change must begin with the next KFA presidential election, and that the KFA had agreed to actively consider the committee's recommendations. "The Innovation Committee will do its utmost to navigate this critical moment wisely, in keeping with the public's desire to see Korean football revived," he said.

The committee held its first meeting Monday at Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

Speaking to reporters immediately after the meeting, co-chair Park said the committee's role was to chart a course for restoring shattered trust in Korean football. "All committee members agreed that broader participation from football figures and a democratic process for electing the KFA president are essential to rebuilding public trust," he said.

He added that given the shared recognition that the current system is inadequate, the KFA had agreed to actively review the committee's recommendations, with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee providing administrative support.