Ahn Jung-hwan's Football Association Reform Remarks Spark Controversy

Former national soccer player and broadcaster Ahn Jung-hwan explained his recent controversial remarks, emphasizing the need for reform within the Korea Football Association (KFA). Appearing on the TikTok entertainment program 'Tiki Taki Takata Takata Talk Talk Show' on the 28th, he discussed the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Round of 32 elimination. During the conversation, he addressed accusations of "defending Hong Myung-bo" and "taking the KFA's side" surrounding his statements.

Previously, on the 22nd, Ahn Jung-hwan caused controversy on the same program by stating, "Ordinary soccer fans can say that, but those who don't know anything are talking strangely," in response to criticism about the timing of Son Heung-min's substitution after the Korean national team's loss to Mexico. Regarding this, he clarified on the 28th broadcast, "​I admit my expression was rough, but I wasn't swearing, was I?" and "​I also have freedom of expression." He added that he believes misunderstandings arose because the context of his remarks was cut short.

Ahn Jung-hwan strongly refuted the criticism that he was siding with the KFA. He stated, "​It makes me angry to hear that I want a position in the KFA," and emphasized, "​As long as Chairman Chung Mong-gyu is in office, I have never entered the KFA in 14 years because I don't want to become like them." He also explained why he didn't criticize the national team coach selection process, as revealed by Park Joo-ho, by asking, "​How can I criticize something I don't know because I haven't worked with them? Aren't you just asking me to curse them too?" expressing his sense of injustice.

He stressed the necessity of KFA reform and declared that if the association moves in the wrong direction, he will stage a one-person protest and leave the soccer world. Regarding Coach Hong Myung-bo, he clearly stated his position that while he personally respects him as a senior, Hong should resign. Ahn Jung-hwan requested that criticism of game performance or skill is acceptable, but attacks on his family or personal attacks should be refrained from.

Meanwhile, some netizens, despite Ahn Jung-hwan's explanation, have expressed critical reactions, calling his remarks careless or an attempt to shield the KFA and Coach Hong Myung-bo. In particular, opinions were raised that he seemed to have changed his stance, as he frequently pointed out the KFA's problems in the past.