Ki Sung-yueng calls for fundamental reform in Korean football

Former national team captain Ki Sung-yueng shared his honest thoughts on the Republic of Korea's early exit from the 2026 North America World Cup, stating that "fundamental reform is necessary." He pointed out a lack of responsibility within the national team and expressed regret over the shortage of role models for junior players to emulate.

On the 22nd, football player Ki Sung-yueng and actor Kim Kang-woo appeared as guests on the 352nd episode of the tvN variety program 'You Quiz on the Block' to share their stories.

During the episode, MC Yoo Jae Suk cautiously brought up the national team, noting that Ki had recently visited the North America World Cup site in person.

Yoo asked, "It is cautious even to speak of the World Cup. As many citizens had high expectations, the disappointment was also great. As a former captain of the national team, I am curious how you viewed this tournament."

In response, Ki lightened the mood with a joke, saying, "Fortunately, I only watched the first match," before revealing his honest feelings.

Ki visited Mexico last month to personally watch the national team's first match and cheer for the players.

He recalled, "I have experienced the World Cup three times as a player. I played as the youngest member and also as the captain. When I was inside the stadium, it was mentally and physically very difficult due to the immense tension and pressure."

He continued, "This time, I experienced the World Cup from the stands for the first time, and I could newly realize why people all over the world enjoy the World Cup as a festival."

Ki explained that the atmosphere within the national team was very positive immediately after the first match.

"Because the result of the first match was so good, the atmosphere was positive enough to discuss whether we would finish 1st or 2nd in the group when we returned to Korea," he said, unable to hide his regret. "I went there to give a lot of strength to the players, so it is personally very unfortunate that it ended with such a result."

He then shared his thoughts on the structural issues facing Korean football.

"I fully understand why the citizens are disappointed," Ki said. "I believe Korean football needs fundamental reform in many areas moving forward."

In particular, he emphasized the sense of responsibility and mission that national team players must possess.

"The national team is not just a group of players who are good at football; it is a position that represents the Republic of Korea," he pointed out. "That much greater responsibility and spirit of sacrifice is required. It was disappointing that such aspects seemed to be lacking in this tournament."

He also cited creating an environment where junior players can learn as an important task.

"It seems our football lacks role models that juniors can look at and think, 'I want to be like that player' or 'I want to follow that person's path,'" Ki said. "I also find myself reflecting a lot on whether I have sufficiently fulfilled my role for Korean football."

He added, "These days, I am thinking deeply about many things while considering the future of Korean football," expressing his intention to contribute to the development of the sport based on his experience.

Selected for the national team in 2008, Ki has anchored the midfield of Korean football, playing in more than 110 A-matches, and led the national team as captain during the 2014 Brazil World Cup and the 2018 Russia World Cup. With his extensive international tournament experience, he continues to speak out about the direction for the development of Korean football even after his retirement.