Former national team coach Hu Jong-moo has announced his candidacy for the post of president of the Korea Football Association
Former national football team coach Hu Jong-moo, 69, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Korea Football Association (KFA). In a phone call with Dong-a Ilbo on November 18, he said, “After much consideration, I have decided to run for election as president of the Korea Football Association. I want to lay the groundwork for football people to unite.” He plans to hold a press conference on November 25 to provide more details about his campaign and reasons for running.
Hu Jong-moo enjoyed a successful career as a player and coach. He played 104 matches for the national team and scored 30 goals. As a coach, he led the national team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, marking Korea’s first advancement to the Round of 16 in World Cup history. He also has experience in football administration, having served as vice president of the KFA from March 2013 to July 2014 and as vice president of the Korea Professional Football League from January 2015 to December 2019.
What are Hu Jong-moo’s plans for youth development in Korean football?
Interview with Hu Jong-moo: A Vision for the Future of Korean Football
Date: November 18, 2023
Interviewer: [Your Name]
[Your Name]: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Mr. Hu Jong-moo. Congratulations on announcing your candidacy for the presidency of the Korea Football Association (KFA). What motivated you to run for this position?
Hu Jong-moo: Thank you for having me. After much reflection on the current state of Korean football, I realized that it is time for a change. I want to lay the groundwork for football people to unite and work towards a common goal: elevating our national team and nurturing young talent. I believe my experience as a player and a coach gives me a unique perspective on what our football community needs.
[Your Name]: You have a long history with Korean football, both as a player and a coach. How do you think your past experiences will shape your approach as KFA president?
Hu Jong-moo: My journey in football has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and vision. As a former national team player with 104 caps and 30 goals, as well as a coach who led Korea to the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup, I understand the dedication required to succeed. I also have experience in football administration, having served as vice president of the KFA and the Korea Professional Football League. These roles have given me insights into the operational aspects of football that I plan to leverage for the benefit of our community.
[Your Name]: You mentioned the need for unity within the football community. Can you elaborate on what that looks like for you?
Hu Jong-moo: Unity means collaboration across all levels of football—from grassroots programs to the professional leagues. We need to engage with coaches, players, and fans alike to foster a culture where everyone feels they are part of the journey. My goal is to create platforms for dialogue that allow us to address challenges together and celebrate our successes collectively.
[Your Name]: What specific initiatives do you plan to implement if elected as president of the KFA?
Hu Jong-moo: I will focus on enhancing youth development programs, increasing support for coaches, and improving the infrastructure for training facilities. I also believe in promoting youth academies that not only refine players’ skills but also instill values such as teamwork and resilience. Furthermore, we must enhance our scouting systems to ensure that we identify and nurture talent across the country.
[Your Name]: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges currently facing the KFA, and how do you intend to address them?
Hu Jong-moo: One major challenge is the increasing competition in Asian football. Countries like Japan and Australia have made significant strides, and we must not fall behind. I plan to advocate for increased investment in coaching education and player development, as well as better engagement with our fan base to generate greater interest in football.
[Your Name]: You are set to hold a press conference on November 25 to share more about your campaign. What can attendees expect to learn?
Hu Jong-moo: I will provide a more in-depth overview of my vision for the KFA, detail my campaign strategies, and outline my plans for addressing the current challenges we face. I want to invite everyone to partake in this conversation and make it clear that their voices matter in shaping the future of Korean football.
[Your Name]: Thank you, Mr. Hu, for sharing your thoughts with us today. We look forward to hearing more about your campaign and wish you the best in your candidacy.
Hu Jong-moo: Thank you for the opportunity! I am excited about the future of Korean football and hope to bring everyone together for this great sport.
The KFA’s next presidential election is scheduled for January 8, 2024.