Park Ji-sung (43) will step down as Hyundai Technical Director of Jeonbuk Hyundai. Multiple soccer officials said on Sunday, "Park Ji-sung will step down from his position. I understand that the club is looking for a replacement." After connecting with Jeonbuk through "advisor" in January 2021, Park was appointed as TD in September 2022.

Director Park, who recently returned to Korea and handled various backlogs such as Jeonbuk-related work and youth soccer tournaments, returned to London on the 21st. During his stay in Korea, he spoke candidly about the controversy over the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as coach of the national soccer team, and watched the 24th round match of "Hana Bank K League 1 2024" between Jeonbuk and Ulsan HD at Jeonju World Cup Stadium last weekend.

Before leaving the country, Park reportedly told his team that he would step down. It was a sense of responsibility. Jeonbuk faces the worst crisis this season. It took a breather after beating Ulsan 2-0 but remains at the bottom of the list. Dan Petrescu of Romania resigned last year following Kim Sang-sik of the Vietnamese national team, and Kim Doo-hyun of the team took the helm in late May. Despite this, there have been no dramatic changes. Although the mood has improved a little recently, the team is not in a position to be relieved.

For the past three and a half years as an administrator of the club, Jeonbuk had a lot of interest and affection, which was in trouble. Notably, Petrescu was the leader he himself chose. Park made the decision as he felt sorry for not providing proper assistance when the team was in the most difficult situation and was heartbroken by a series of situations. "We will continue our relationship even if we leave. I want to always help Jeonbuk no matter what," an aide to Park hinted. "I was really struggling with the situation facing Jeonbuk. I had a lot of heartache."

Jeonbuk has a bitter feeling that another insider is stepping down to take responsibility for the team's poor performance. The team's internal view is that Park is not the only one to blame for poor performance. "It is regrettable that one by one is leaving just to take responsibility," said an official familiar with Jeonbuk's situation. Jeonbuk is frustrated that it is time for a "remediation" rather than a "responsibility."

Director Park's international network is a huge merit. In fact, it is much better than the Korea Football Association, which has seen its diplomatic power evaporate. The name "Park Ji-sung" alone has tremendous power on the international stage. Lee Seung-woo, who confirmed his transfer to Jeonbuk after playing for Suwon FC, also said, "Park Ji-sung had a huge presence."

Jeonbuk has no intention of breaking up with Director Park as it is. Jeonbuk, which opposed the resignation when it first encountered him, would like to continue accompanying him even by taking other positions such as its existing "advisor." There is not a high possibility, but further discussions can take place.

BY: 안전놀이터