Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association, stepped down after roughly 13 years and five months in the post.

The Korea Football Association said on the 6th that Chung submitted his resignation after presiding over a final executive meeting at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, attended by vice presidents and board members.

Chung took office in January 2013 as the 52nd president of the Korea Football Association. He went on to win four consecutive terms and lead the association, but with this resignation he leaves without completing his term.

Initially, ahead of the opening of the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America, he expressed his intention to resign and indicated he would step down after the tournament closed. However, it is understood that he moved up the timing of his departure to quickly bring the controversies surrounding the association under control and return the organization to normal operations.

In his resignation remarks, Chung stated that “I ran focusing solely on the development and glory of Korean football, but at times I gave deep disappointment,” and that “all honors and results are thanks to the players and fans, and all shortcomings and faults are entirely my responsibility.”

He added, “Now I will step down from the presidency and return as a passionate football fan to support Korean football,” and “I am confident that, as always, Korean football will once again soar high after overcoming numerous trials.”

During his tenure, Chung is regarded as having contributed to the construction of Korea Football Park in Cheonan, the establishment of the division system, strengthening the financial stability of the association through long-term contracts with partners and broadcasters, and the men's national team securing qualification for the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time.

By contrast, he faced strong criticism over procedural controversies in the process of appointing the national team head coach and an attempt to grant amnesty to football figures involved in match-fixing. After the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted a special audit of the Korea Football Association and called for heavy disciplinary action of ‘suspension or higher’ for key figures including Chung, pressure for his departure continued.

With Chung's resignation, the association will switch to an acting presidency. Under Article 23 of the bylaws, one of the vice presidents will serve as acting president upon approval by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee.

His original term ran until 2029. As more than one year remains in the term, the association must elect a successor within 60 days. The association will prepare the next presidential election procedures under the acting president.