Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has announced his sudden resignation.

The KFA stated today (July 6) that Chung officially submitted his resignation after presiding over a final executive meeting at the Korea Football Center in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, which was attended by vice presidents and board members.

Chung, who took office as the 52nd president in January 2013 and secured four consecutive terms, is ending his long tenure of 13 years and five months.

In his resignation letter, Chung stated, "I have run forward looking only toward the development and glory of South Korean football, but at times, I have also caused deep disappointment."

He added, "All glory and achievements are thanks to the players and the fans, and all shortcomings and faults are entirely my responsibility."

"I will now return to being an ardent football fan and cheer for South Korean football. I am confident that South Korean football will overcome numerous trials and soar high once again, as it always has," he added.

Initially, the prevailing view within and outside the football community was that Chung would announce his position only after the conclusion of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule.

However, it is interpreted that he moved up the timing of his resignation in the face of controversy over procedural legitimacy in the selection process of the national team head coach, as well as intense demands for reform from football fans and the media.

Accordingly, the KFA announced that one of its current vice presidents will serve as acting president following approval from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and will prepare for the next presidential election process in a fair manner.

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is pushing for a hearing regarding the KFA, including Chung, drawing attention to whether he will attend.

Previously, Committee Chair Lee Jae-jung met with reporters on July 3 and said, "As the National Assembly has a duty to oversee, we plan to proceed with a hearing regardless of the procedure."

Chair Lee also emphasized regarding the attendance of both Chung and former head coach Hong Myung-bo, who has departed for the United States, "The two individuals who have a duty to explain to the public should appear and properly fulfill that role."

Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News