HDC Group's 50th Anniversary Ceremony (Seoul=Yonhap News) Chung Mong-gyu, Chairman of HDC Group, attends the HDC Group's 50th Anniversary Ceremony held at Dragon City in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 18th. 2026.3.18 photo@yna.co.kr

Chung Mong-gyu, Chairman of the Korea Football Association, will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, which kicks off next month.

In a statement released on the 29th, Chairman Chung said, "I intend to step down as Chairman of the Football Association after this World Cup," adding, "I believe it is my final duty as chairman to support the national team in achieving results in the finals, and I will do my best."

The Football Association explained that Chairman Chung's decision, after being re-elected for his fourth term in February last year with an 85.6% approval rating, was made to earnestly request the full support and cheers of football fans for the World Cup national team.

They further stated that the decision was made after careful consideration that it is time for the association, which must focus on establishing and implementing a mid-to-long-term vision for the development of Korean football, to take responsibility to overcome the current situation.

Chairman Chung, who has led Korean football for 13 years since taking office as the 52nd Chairman of the Korea Football Association in 2013, plans to submit his resignation after the North and Central America World Cup, which concludes on July 19th (local time).

◇ Full Statement from Chung Mong-gyu, Chairman of the Korea Football Association

This is Chung Mong-gyu, Chairman of the Korea Football Association.

The 2026 North and Central America World Cup is just two weeks away from its opening.

Our national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, has been diligently preparing for the World Cup finals, and I believe the team will deliver strong performances and achieve meaningful results in this tournament. I sincerely ask for your unwavering support and cheers for the national team during the competition.

I am well aware that there have been various controversies and criticisms during my tenure leading the Football Association. I consider all of them to be my own shortcomings. I intend to step down as Chairman of the Football Association after this World Cup. I believe it is my final duty as chairman to support the national team in achieving results in the finals, and I will do my best.

I would like to express my gratitude to the football community, sponsors, media representatives, government officials, and fans who have offered encouragement and support during my time leading the association. I also extend my thanks to the executives and staff of the Football Association, leagues, and regional associations who have worked together for the development of football for a long time. I earnestly hope that after this World Cup, all those who love football will join forces and pool their wisdom to advance towards the future once again.

Thank you.