―When the games were decided on six years ago, did you predict a successful World Cup as well as a good performance by the Korean team?

"I thought that the World Cup could become a good festival but I was worried about whether our team would be good. When I met Hong Myung-bo two months before the opening ceremonies (he had already played in the World Cup three times), he said that he ‘had confidence’ because he was prepared. I also thought that if we could just make it to the Round of 16, we could do even better.”

―How different did it feel when Korea achieved its first win, then the Round of 16, and then the quarter and semi-finals?

"In the first match with Poland, I did not feel secure even when we scored two goals first. The match with the U.S. was less impressive because Poland was better than the U.S. In the semifinals with Germany, frankly, I wished we could have won and gone to Yokahama.”

―Last year, when Korea lost 5-0 in its games with France and Czechoslovakia, there was much criticism directed toward coach Hiddink. Were you ever unsure of your decision?

"I trusted coach Hiddink. In April of 2001, during the 4-country games in Egypt, I saw the potential of Hiddink's style of soccer, which was different from Korean-style soccer. Our loss against France in the Confederation Cup wasn’t because we played bad but because the French players were really good.”

―How would you evaluate the World Cup on the whole?

"During the games, there wasn’t even one accident. A few people complained about the transportation and accommodations, but on the whole, there were no problems. The people at FIFA highly praised the management of the games.”

―But you must have some regrets.

"That would be the ticket sales. The empty seats in the first few games were a problem. Also, the bad refereeing pointed out by some foreign media was also a fly in the ointment. I was also sorry that Japan only broadcasted the games 40 minutes on paid TV."

―How do they compare Korea and Japan at FIFA?

"When it was first decided (Korea would host the World Cup), there were people who were worried we wouldn’t be able to host the World Cup well because we were behind Japan economically. But in the end, they praised Korea, saying we were better in all aspects. Everyone was especially impressed with the disciplined street cheering of the Koreans."

--Does the Association have any long-term plans for Korean soccer?

"We have many plans such as the separation of college football and club team registration; decreasing the number of national games for primary, middle, and high school students and a conversion to league games; systemization of programs to breed young players for professional teams, a league system for professional football, and so on. It is important how quickly and effectively these plans are carried out.”

―Not long ago, the government announced that it was recruiting professional club members. Are there countermeasures?

"Making a team is not that hard, especially when companies and citizens come together. I think it is a good idea for several companies to form a consortium and make a team."

―Is a three-country league between Korea, China, and Japan realistic?

"Professional leagues of the three countries agreed to hold a pro-championship early this year. However, I think we should carefully consider whether or not the leagues should be unified. We have to consider the situation and system of each country.”

―Everyone is concerned about how the 10 World Cup stadiums will be used in the future.

"That is a problem that was brought up even before the World Cup began. The best usage would be for the professional teams of each city to use the stadiums as a home stadium. I hope the stadiums will be used for soccer and as places for various cultural events.”

―Until when will you be chair of the Football Association?

"Japanese chair Okano will retire next month because he is 70 this year. I want to work until I am 70 as well. What do you think?"

―Will you run for the presidential elections?

"I’d like to separate sports and politics. When the World Cup is over, I will take some time to think it over seriously. I don’t think it is a good idea to state my position as soon as the games are over.” (Ok Dae-hwan, rosee@chosun.com )