South Korean billionaire Chung Mong-joon’s possible bid to run for FIFA’s top job sparked speculation here Thursday that the world football body’s former vice president could use the high-profile contest to escape his political obscurity in Korea.

Chung ― a seven-term lawmaker, FIFA vice president from 1994 to 2011 and former chairman of South Korea’s conservative party ― said Wednesday he was mulling plans to enter the race to succeed FIFA president Sepp Blatter sometime by next April.

His bid could be aimed at breaking through his increasingly bleak local political prospects, observers said, with Chung’s most recent political stint being his landslide defeat to incumbent Park Won-soon in Seoul’s mayoral race last year.


Chung’s political prospects peaked in 2002 as head of the Korea Football Association, when the South Korean team had its dream run to the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, its best result in the event’s history.

Chung announced his bid for the South Korean presidency in September that year, before withdrawing it in favor of Roh Moo-hyun, who would go on to win the race in December 2002.

His political name, however, remained valued among South Korean pollsters who consistently floated his name as a possible conservative candidate in the next presidential run.

In 2014, Chung ran for Seoul mayor, a post often viewed as a stepping stone to the presidency here. But his defeat to Park, who took 56.1 percent of the votes, dealt a political blow that he has failed to recover from so far, analysts said.

“Chung is different from other lawmakers. He’s not your typical politician,” said Yoon Sung-yi, professor at Kyung Hee University.

“He’s at the level where he should be seeking maybe a presidential bid. But things aren’t looking hopeful right now. He’s not in the conservative party’s decision-making bodies. He’s not even in the legislature anymore.”

Chung Jin-min, professor of politics at Myongji University, agreed.

“I don’t think a person of Chung’s status will score high in any future presidential race as of now,” he said, referring to his family background.

The billionaire is the son of Hyundai Motors founder Chung Ju-yung. He is also the de facto owner of major conglomerate Hyundai Heavy Industries Group.

“The people here can’t relate to him. He comes from a wealthy background that not many know about.”

“I’m sure Chung will be able to win if he runs in Ulsan as a lawmaker in the 2016 parliamentary elections,” he added. “But I don’t think too highly of his chances in a presidential race.”

Chung, 63, is a respected figure among sports officials here. Chung served as the KFA’s chief from 1993 to 2009 and played a role in bringing the World Cup to South Korea in 2002. Chung is an honorary chair of the KFA.

The politician also holds a doctorate degree in international politics from Johns Hopkins University, and did his undergraduate studies at Seoul National University.

By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)