South Korean soccer icon Park Ji-sung has dismissed speculation about his potential entry into politics. Park, known for his distinguished career in the English Premier League and as a Manchester United ambassador, laughed off rumors linking him to the ruling People Power Party.
Park Ji-sung has played in top leagues overseas, including the English Premier League. In 2014, he was appointed as a Manchester United ambassador. Currently, Park is serving as the technical director of Jeonbuk Hyundai in the South Korean Football League (K League). He is also involved in providing scholarships through the JS Foundation, a sponsorship organization named after him.
In an interview at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on Dec. 14, Park laughed in response to the news that he is being considered as a candidate for the ruling People Power Party, saying “I knew about it from the article.” He added firmly stating, “I have no intention of going there.”
“I was surprised that it was even mentioned,” said Park, who currently lives in London, England and is not based in Korea. “Moreover, I don’t think it will ever happen.” He went on to say, “The idea of becoming a politician is something I have never imagined, and I don’t feel the need to imagine it. I hope they don’t offer it to me again in the future.”
The People Power Party’s Talent Recruitment Committee acknowledged that Park’s name had surfaced as a potential candidate, describing it as “a free opinion on what kind of talent to recruit.” However, they clarified that the discussions were purely speculative and lacked any concrete plans.
This article was originally published on Dec. 15, 2023.
