Negative news related to sports organizations such as the Korea Sports Council, Korea Football Association, and Badminton Association are appearing in the media every day. Lee Ki-heung, president of the Korea Sports Council, who is seeking a third term, was suspended from his duties by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism amid allegations of fraudulent hiring and embezzlement, and is under investigation by the National Police Agency’s anti-corruption investigation unit.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the results of an audit of the Football Association on the 6th and requested that the association impose severe disciplinary action on Chairman Chung Mong-gyu, greater than suspension. Even after investigating the Badminton Association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced, “If the revealed problems are not corrected, we will designate a management organization and suspend budget support.”
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s hard-line measures and opposition from sports organizations are continuing. Is it a struggle to ‘normalize abnormality’ or a power struggle between the sports ministry and working-level organizations? We met with Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jang Mi-ran, who oversees the government’s sports policy, to hear her position. A gold medalist in weightlifting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he was selected as Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in June 2023 while working as a professor at Yongin University.
‘It’s just between us’ and ‘It’s been like that for a long time’ culture still persists
Q: Problems with sports organizations are popping up. What do you think is the key?
A : “In the sports world, there remained a culture of ‘it’s just between us’ and ‘it’s been like that for a long time.’ The world has changed, but sports leaders are still unable to escape it. Things that were taken for granted in the past are changing according to the flow of the world, but I think that problems arise because they are the only ones who do not change. “It is heartbreaking that the sports world is seen as a backward group due to the mistakes of a very small number of administrators.”
Q: What has the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which oversees the Korea Sports Council and its affiliated sports organizations, done so far?
A : “I think we have guaranteed the expertise and independence of each sport or organization. The Sports Association protested, saying that if the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism says even the slightest thing, it will be ‘abused’ and ‘oppressed’. Autonomy was guaranteed, but since this result came out, our ministry is naturally responsible. “I decided that now was the time to correct what was wrong and establish order by saying what was necessary.”
Q: What do you think of Sports Chairman Lee Ki-heung’s actions?
A : “Honestly, I don’t understand. To avoid the National Assembly audit, he goes on a business trip abroad at his own expense, and when he returns, he says that the investigations into him were wrong. Is this a responsible attitude as a representative of the sports world? “Can athletes empathize with this?”
Q: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon declared, “We will prevent Chairman Lee Ki-heung from running for a third term.”
A : “Regardless of whether I become a specific person or not, running for a third term means that I do not fit the trend of the times. Thomas Bach, chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), also gave up reappointment, saying, “A new era requires a new person.” Chairman Lee has done some things well, but it is not fair and not everyone wants to have a specific person do it for a long time. “I have handed over everything regarding Chairman Lee to the investigative agency, so I think they will handle it on their own.”
When asked what the biggest problem emerged from the Football Association audit, Vice Minister Jang responded, “The privatization of the organization and the culture of fraternization.” He said, “The principles and system for selecting the national team coach have collapsed. Everyone said, ‘This is the problem. ‘It’s wrong,’ but inside the Football Association, ‘Why is this a problem?
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Q: You said there were procedural flaws in the process of appointing coach Hong Myung-bo, but you said, ‘The Football Association should take care of it.’
A : “There are several ways to cure procedural flaws. Another solution could be for the Power Enhancement Committee to re-recommend a director candidate and have him/her appointed by the board of directors. In any case, it is desirable for the Football Association to autonomously come up with a solution to problems in the manager selection process. “I believe that only through such a process can the Football Association stand on its feet.”
Q: Do you think ‘Chung Mong-gyu’s outing’ is the key to the solution?
A : “We do not have the authority to tell anyone to leave. However, through thorough data investigation and testimony from officials, the Football Association’s problems were revealed, and a corrective order was issued. I gave them a one month deadline, but there has been no response yet and no application for reconsideration has been made. “I hope the Football Association uses its self-reliance ability to make the right decision.”
Q: The IOC is watching the issue of President Lee Ki-heung, and FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) is watching the issue of President Chung Mong-gyu.
A : “The two organizations did not send us official documents directly, but we received them from the Sports Council and the Football Association. It wasn’t that I wanted to know something for sure, it was just ‘I’m watching’ and ‘I’m quite interested’. There is no reason to tell people ‘we are doing this’ without even asking. We are going through the throes of establishing the sports values of rules and fairness. “I think this is consistent with the direction that the IOC and FIFA are aiming for.”
Even if it hurts, you have to cut out what’s wrong
Q: You achieved unexpectedly good results at the Paris Olympics, but there was also a bias towards certain sports such as guns, swords, and bows.
A : “Some people ask what is important about the number or color of medals, but it is true that everyone feels good when our athletes perform well. Japan is performing well in a variety of sports. We also talk about ‘let’s raise elites by revitalizing sports for all ages,’ but it is vague and feels like ‘you are too far gone.’ “A customized approach is needed that takes into account our country’s environment and facilities.”
Q: Is there a customized approach?
A : “The most important thing is to allow children to experience a variety of sports at school. This time, physical education was separated as a separate subject in ‘Happy Life’ for first and second grade elementary school students. We are working closely with the Ministry of Education to make good use of this time. “If retired elite athletes participate as instructors, children can become interested in various sports and contribute to improving the welfare of retired athletes.”
Vice Minister Jang said, “Even if it hurts, we must cut out what is wrong. “I hope that the public will pay attention and watch as we work to straighten out Korean sports,” he said.
Youngjae Jeong ([email protected])
