Minister Yoo In-chon noted regarding the disciplinary action against Jeong Mong-kyu, chairman of the Korea Football Association, who successfully completed a fourth term, "We will take measures as soon as the court's judgment comes out."
On the 5th, Minister Yoo, attending a full meeting of the National Assembly Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, said, "For now, we have no choice but to wait for the court's judgment regarding the special audit measures against the Korea Football Association. After that judgment comes out, we will establish countermeasures." That day, Minister Yoo responded to a question from Rep. Kim Seung-soo of the People Power Party, asking, "Even if the suspension of execution is granted, isn't it true that Chairman Jeong Mong-kyu's misconduct has not been cleared? What plans do you have for the future?"
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism noted that after conducting a specific audit of the Football Association last year, 27 cases of illegal and improper business handling were identified and required the association to impose a severe disciplinary action of more than a suspension of qualifications on Chairman Jeong. The Football Association, which had its review request dismissed by the Ministry, filed an administrative lawsuit in January, claiming that the Ministry's severe penalty of qualification suspension against Chairman Jeong was unjust. Additionally, it requested the Seoul Central District Court to suspend the Ministry's disposition.
With the court granting this suspension request, Chairman Jeong maintained his candidacy qualifications for the 55th Korea Football Association presidential election and won overwhelming support in last month's election, obtaining 85.7% of valid votes (156 out of 182 valid votes). However, this is just a temporary measure, and the Ministry's action for "severe disciplinary measures of more than suspension of qualifications" remains valid. Chairman Jeong immediately began his four-year term upon election, but like other sports federation heads, he must receive approval from the Korea Sports Council.
On that day, as the report submitted by the Sports Council was incomplete, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Yoo-jung pointed this out, raising her voice, "There have been cases of rejection of approval for sports federation heads since 2020." In response, Minister Yoo explained, "Everything has been stalled as the association initiated a lawsuit for suspension of execution regarding the Ministry's audit measures. The court's decision will come soon, and we will organize accordingly."