Park Ji-sung shuts down Kim Jong-kook's KFA presidency joke

Football legend Park Ji-sung provided a reality check to singer and entertainer Kim Jong-kook's joke regarding a run for the presidency of the Korea Football Association (KFA), sparking laughter on screen.

While Kim, well-known for his deep love of football, has jokingly expressed interest in football administration on variety shows in the past, Park emphasized the necessity of professional systems and formal qualifications, stating, "It is impossible with passion alone."

On episode 353 of the tvN variety program "You Quiz on the Block," which aired on the 29th, Park—who currently serves as the chairman of the K-Football Innovation Committee—appeared to discuss the evolution and leadership within Korean football.

During the episode, MC Yoo Jae Suk brought up a recent story involving Kim that surfaced on the SBS variety show "Running Man."

Yoo drew laughter as he recounted, "I jokingly recommended Jong-kook as the KFA president, and he said, 'If you just let me do it, I'll work hard. I'll do it unpaid, without receiving even 1 won.'"

Park responded immediately with a pragmatic view.

He noted, "It would be difficult," explaining that mere passion or interest in the sport is insufficient to lead football administration.

When Kim's past experience coaching young players on the KBS variety show "KBS Shootdori" was mentioned, Park specifically addressed the issue of coaching credentials.

When Yoo remarked, "He even served as the coach for 'Shootdori'," Park explained, "That was only possible because it was a broadcast," adding, "Looking at the current situation, he is unqualified. He cannot sit on the bench in official matches."

This underscores that a football instructor must possess coaching licenses recognized by relevant organizations, such as the KFA, to serve as a manager in official matches.

Park's remarks served as a moment that highlighted the professionalism and procedural rigor required by the football community, even amidst the humor.

Kim has demonstrated an extraordinary affection for football on numerous occasions. He has played the sport since childhood and built a connection to youth football through his role as a coach for the first season of "KBS Shootdori."

Furthermore, when the topic of a KFA presidency recommendation arose on a recent broadcast, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am certain about this. I don't need to receive even 10 won in salary."

However, Park emphasized that football administration and coaching are domains that cannot be managed through fandom or passion alone.

Having played under world-class managers such as Alex Ferguson and Guus Hiddink, Park has previously stated, "A good manager must lead the team with their own philosophy and color."

The leadership qualities he describes go beyond mere popularity or fame; they require a professional who understands the field, knows the system, and can take responsibility.

While Kim's comment about challenging for the KFA presidency was a variety show joke, Park's response offered a meaningful glimpse into the type of leadership Korean football requires moving forward.