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| Ahn Jung-hwan / Photo=DB |
By Kim Tae-hyung, Sports Today — Former South Korea international and broadcaster Ahn Jung-hwan said he won’t shy away from criticizing Hong Myung-bo’s squad as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. With it increasingly unlikely that Ahn’s commentary will air on terrestrial television during the tournament, fans are already eyeing the unfiltered coverage that could appear on alternative platforms.
Ahn spoke at the production press conference for the soccer talk-variety show \”Tikitaka Show\” (officially \”Tiki Tiki Takata-Kakata Talk Talk Show\”) on the 21st at The Link Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul, addressing a range of topics.
Asked about Hong Myung-bo’s team, he said, \”Of course I’m worried,\” adding that public interest in soccer has dipped in some areas.
On why criticism of Hong’s squad has been so loud, he said, \”At the start, any coach would have faced that kind of noise. We just didn’t notice. The World Cup is close. I’m careful about how my words will be received, but I think it’s right to talk about things after the results are in and everything is settled.\”
He added, \”If the results are poor, I will criticize. I’ll point out what’s wrong and say, ‘This is how I see it.’ I won’t criticize without reason. People can voice anger when someone messes up. Coaches and players should face criticism when they make mistakes. I took a lot of heat as a player, and I expect I’ll be very vocal too.\”
Ahn’s comments come amid recent turbulence over broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup. Negotiations became fraught after disagreements between JTBC and the three terrestrial broadcasters. Ultimately, only KBS secured rights, reportedly paying 14 billion KRW (approximately 10.5 million USD); MBC and SBS did not finalize deals. JTBC has named Park Ji-sung and Bae Seong-jae as commentators, while KBS will use Lee Young-pyo and Jeon Hyun-moo.
That outcome raises the likelihood that MBC commentator Ahn Jung-hwan won’t be heard on the tournament’s primary televised broadcasts. Ahn’s blunt, straight-shooting commentary has been a talking point at past World Cups, so many fans are disappointed they may miss his voice on the main stage this time.
Some observers are now watching for new forms of commentary on YouTube and other online platforms rather than traditional terrestrial TV. The sports-broadcasting market has shifted quickly, and the broadcaster-centered commentary model is changing. Many athletes and former players already use personal content and digital channels to connect directly with fans and extend their reach.
On the 14th, Ahn told viewers on his YouTube channel that he regretted not being able to broadcast the World Cup and said he was considering doing an ipjung-gae. Opinions around him are mixed, he said, and he plans to ask his subscribers for feedback.
\”Ipjung-gae\” refers to an unofficial audio-only broadcast in which someone without broadcast rights provides voice commentary without the official video feed. Ahn said, \”I personally want to cheer for South Korea, and I’m inclined to do an ipjung-gae. I’ll listen to viewers’ opinions and then decide.\”
If Ahn goes ahead with an ipjung-gae, his freer, more direct style and the ability to interact with fans in real time could attract younger viewers, standing in contrast to the polished commentary of traditional broadcasters. At an event that commands national attention like the World Cup, his candid banter and on-the-ground analysis could become a key talking point, independent of who holds the official rights.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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