Chung Mong-kyu has secured his position as president of the Korea Football Association (KFA) for the fourth consecutive term following the association's recent elections held on February 26, 2025.
During the election session at KFA Headquarters located in Jongno, Seoul, Chung received 156 votes out of 183 valid ballots cast, amounting to approximately 85.7% of the total voting power. His opponents, former national team coach Hong Myung-bo and Myongji University's Professor Shin Moon-sun, garnered only 15 and 11 votes, respectively, demonstrating Chung's overwhelming support among the voter base.
Chung, who first took office as KFA president back in January 2013, will now lead the organization until early 2029, positioning himself to potentially match the historical 16-year tenure of former president Chung Mong-joon from 1993 to 2009 if he completes his new term.
Despite this electoral victory, Chung's presidency has not been free from criticism. The public sentiment toward him remains lukewarm due to several controversies, including his handling of past issues such as the abrupt pardoning of football officials involved in match-fixing scandals and disputes over the appointments of national team coaches, which drew significant public backlash.
Chung faces notable challenges moving forward, particularly with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, which has demanded punitive measures against him and other key officials following findings from recent investigations. Although he has maintained his eligibility to run for the president position, the ministry's intent to pursue disciplinary actions signifies continued tension between regulatory authorities and the KFA.
Looking toward the future, Chung is committed to several ambitious goals for South Korean football during his term. He has pledged to innovate the process of selecting national team coaches, implement governance reforms within the KFA, and work to have both men’s and women’s national teams ranked among the top 10 globally. Notably, he plans to secure South Korea's hosting rights for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup and the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which speaks to his broader vision for enhancing South Korea's presence on the international football stage.
With over three decades of experience within the footballing world, including roles as chairman of clubs and the Korean Professional Football League, Chung’s extensive background positions him as both a familiar face and controversial figure within the sport. His decades-long connection began with ownership of the Ulsan Hyundai club back in 1994.
The KFA is currently engaged in several significant projects, including improvements to existing infrastructure, which are anticipated to stabilize the organization during this period of leadership. Observers note the importance of these initiatives, implying support for Chung’s continued leadership as opposed to pursuing new alternatives at this time.
Chung will presumably work on re-establishing the trust of the fans and stakeholders amid these leadership transitions and criticisms. He vowed to navigate challenges with determination, stating, "If it’s for the future of Korean football, I will address the obstacles myself and request assistance" and echoed his intent to restore confidence within the KFA through active communication and reform.
The election process, which involved the participation of 192 delegates—including representatives from local associations and professional league teams—illustrates the importance of collective decision-making within Korean football’s administrative bodies. The overwhelming turnout of voters also suggests strong sentiments among football officials toward continuing on with familiar leadership during times of uncertainty.
Chung's electoral victory has reinstated faith among many stakeholders who are hopeful about the potential for positive change under his guidance. Analysts speculate his term will focus significantly on residential changes and pre-existing projects, hinting at the imperative need for consistency over abrupt shifts at this point.
Confirming the outcome, Chung received the official certificate of election amid celebrations, highlighting not only the trust from his colleagues but the expectations placed upon him for the next four years. His administration will likely be closely monitored not just for how it handles external pressures from criticisms but how it manages to bolster the footballing framework from within.
For now, Chung Mong-kyu's reign will continue, with aspirations firmly outlined for elevational progress on both domestic and international platforms, promising updates to be expected as the football community anticipates his upcoming initiatives.