"What do you mean?"...Jung Mong-gyu breaks into a sweat when asked about his 4-term pledge to donate 5 billion won

[Financial News] It has been confirmed that Jung Mong-gyu, former president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), did not carry out the 5 billion won donation pledge he made during last year's presidential election. After repeated questioning by lawmakers at a National Assembly hearing, Jung formally admitted that the donation had not been made.
At the hearing on KFA issues held on the 30th by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly, Noh Jong-myun of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) pressed Jung, who appeared as a witness, on whether he had fulfilled the pledge.
Noh asked, "I checked the KFA's donation records for last year that we received from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), and your donation amount was zero. Did you fulfill the 5 billion won donation pledge you made when you ran for a fourth term before stepping down?"
Jung hesitated and said, "What do you mean?" He then tried to avoid answering by referring to his promise to donate bonus money tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup results. But as Noh kept pressing, saying, "Just tell us whether you donated or not," Jung eventually admitted, "I haven't done it yet."
Jung won a fourth consecutive term in last year's election for the 55th KFA president by pledging to donate 5 billion won to help complete the Korea National Football Center. Because the KFA was under growing financial pressure, including large loans taken out during the center's construction process, debate has continued over whether he would keep that promise.
The hearing was convened to examine the recent controversies surrounding KFA operations and to address questions of responsibility after the team's group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In his opening remarks, Jung bowed his head and said, "I worked to help Korean football develop during my term, but I am sorry for the series of controversies and the disappointing World Cup result." He added, "After stepping down as KFA president, I will focus on management as a businessperson and contribute to society."
Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the national team, who also appeared as a witness, said, "I deeply accept responsibility for failing to meet the public's expectations," and offered an apology.

[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter