Park Ji-sung jokes Kim Jong Kook is an 'unqualified coach'

Singer Kim Jong Kook's past role as a coach for the children's soccer program 'KBS Shootdori' has resurfaced amid an unexpected 'unqualified controversy.' However, the remark was not a serious accusation, but a humorous joke from Park Ji-sung regarding football coaching licenses that left the set in laughter.

On the 25th, the official SNS for the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' released a preview video titled "'Next KFA President Kim Jong Kook(?)' K-Football Innovation Committee Chairman Park Ji-sung says 'Kim Jong Kook was an unqualified Shootdori coach.'"

The video captures the meeting between Park and Kim, who are set to appear on the episode of 'You Quiz on the Block' airing on the 29th. During the filming, Yoo Jae Suk brought up how he had jokingly recommended Kim as a candidate for the President of the Korea Football Association (KFA) to Park.

Yoo drew laughter by saying, "When I recommended Kim Jong Kook for the KFA President position on a broadcast, he said he would work hard if only he were given the chance. He even said he would do it unpaid, without receiving even 10 won."

When Kim appeared, Park expressed his excitement, noting, "I contacted him yesterday. He said he is appearing on 'You Quiz' today." The three, who have maintained a long-standing connection through SBS 'Running Man,' continued their conversation in a natural and comfortable atmosphere.

The conversation eventually shifted to whether Park would pursue coaching. When Yoo asked, "Do you have any intention of becoming a manager?" Park replied, "It is too late. To be a coach, one must obtain licenses."

He went on to explain the football coaching certification system: "I currently hold a B-grade coaching license. To be a coach, one must obtain an A-grade and then proceed to obtain a P-grade. You must have a P-grade to coach a professional first team."

At this, Yoo mentioned, "Kim Jong Kook once served as the coach for 'KBS Shootdori,'" to which Park, as if waiting for the moment, responded, "Looking at the current situation, that means he did it without qualifications," causing the set to burst into laughter.

Kim previously served as the coach for a children's soccer team in the KBS variety program 'KBS Shootdori,' which aired in 2005. Although Kim was not a professional player at the time, he was widely loved by viewers for his passionate and friendly leadership with the children.

Park's remarks are expected to highlight both the close friendship between the two and their serious discussion regarding football by connecting Kim's past variety show role with today's strict coaching qualification standards.