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 👀 Today’s Email about:

• Embattled football chief Chung Mong-gyu has announced his intention to seek a fourth term as head of the Korea Football Association (KFA).

• A $1 escape for older adults: 'Colatecs' fading away.

• Actor Ko Hyun-jung recently opened up about her experience of living apart from her children, reflecting on the emotional challenges she has faced over the years.

NEWS 📰

Embattled football chief Chung Mong-gyu has announced his intention to seek a fourth term as head of the Korea Football Association (KFA).

Officials said Thursday that the incumbent national football chief, Chung Mong-gyu, has decided to run for his fourth term and plans to submit his reelection bid to an external review.

According to the Korea Football Association (KFA), Chung will ask the Commission for Fair Play in Sport at the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) next Monday to review his application to run for a fourth term as head of the national football governing body.

Per KSOC regulations, heads of national sports federations seeking reelection beyond the second term must be approved by the Fair Play Commission. The commission will review Chung's bid based on his contributions to the KFA over the years, Korea's performances at international events on his watch, among other criteria.

Chung first took over the KFA in 2013. The election is scheduled for Jan. 8 next year, and candidates must register during a three-day window beginning on Christmas Day.

If the KSOC commission gives Chung the go-ahead sign, Chung is expected to formally announce his bid for a fourth term around Dec. 25.

Chung has been under immense pressure to resign in recent months, as he has been dealing with criticism stemming from what detractors say were unfair and opaque processes to hire the past two men's national team head coaches, Jurgen Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo. The controversy surrounding the circumstances leading to Hong's appointment in July prompted the sports ministry to launch an investigation into the KFA's operations.

In announcing its final findings of the probe on Nov. 5, the ministry demanded suspension of Chung from his duties. The KFA has not taken any disciplinary action on Chung and instead plans to appeal the ministry's findings.

When asking the KSOC's commission for a review of his candidacy, Chung also plans to resign as KFA's president in order to run for the election. An incumbent head must step down 50 days before the start of a new term if he wants to go for a reelection. The term for the next president starts Jan. 22, 2025.

Earlier this week, former men's national team head coach Huh Jung-moo announced he will run for KFA president.

A $1 escape for older adults: 'Colatecs' fading away

A small "colatec" near Yeongdeungpo Market in Seoul buzzed with music and movement as older men and women, dressed in vibrant outfits like red wool coats, silk skirts, and polished shoes, swayed to trot music.

Among them was 73-year-old Kim Seong-mo, who climbed the stairs, traded his backpack for a tailored suit, and joined the dance floor.

“I come here every day now, just like going to work. I paid 1,000 won ($0.70) and danced for three hours. At my age, no one offered me work, and I had nothing to do — but now, this place is the joy of my life,” Kim said. “Dancing makes me feel younger. Exercise should always be fun.”

Colatecs, a term combining "cola" and "discotheque," originated in the 1990s as alcohol- and smoke-free venues for young people. As younger generations shifted to online platforms and nightclubs in Itaewon and Gangnam, collates transformed into social hubs for adults in their 60s and 70s.

Offering affordable admission—1,000 won on weekdays and 2,000 won on weekends—some venues charge additional fees for items like baskets or hangers. A 62-year-old man, dressed in green pants and a black cardigan, joked, “Learning to dance is part of my retirement plan.”

While colatecs don’t sell alcohol or food, many are located near restaurants that serve budget-friendly dishes like kimchi stew for 8,000 won. These eateries are lively spaces where patrons share meals, coffee, and conversations, fostering a sense of community.

“I come here to get some fresh air, and if I meet someone I get along with, we might have a meal together,” said 70-year-old Hong Young-jin from Suwon.

Lee, 74, who traveled over an hour from Anyang, added, “I save money by skipping fruit to afford coming here, but I can’t come as often as I’d like.”

ENTERTAINMENT 🌄

Actor Ko Hyun-Jung recently opened up about her experience of living apart from her children, reflecting on her emotional challenges over the years.

Actor Ko Hyun-Jung appeared on a TV talk show for the first time in 15 years, reflecting on her relationship with her children and the emotional challenges of living apart from them. During the Nov. 27 episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block, she shared her feelings about the distance she experiences with her son and daughter, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group.

“Many people ask if I see my kids,” Ko said. “Since I haven’t lived with them, I feel shy and unfamiliar around them. I never realized how deeply sad it could be to not be close to them.” Fighting back tears, she admitted, “That feeling was incredibly painful. It’s something that’s gone now and can’t be filled. It hurt me profoundly.”

Ko, who first gained fame as the Miss Korea runner-up in 1989, became a household name through the SBS drama Sandglass (1995). At the height of her career, she retired from acting after marrying Chung. The couple divorced in 2003 after eight years of marriage, and Ko returned to acting in 2005 with A Spring Day.

This interview marks her first talk show appearance since 2009, and she recently launched a YouTube channel to connect with fans. On You Quiz, she reflected on Sandglass, saying, “It was a massive success, but at the time, I was more focused on dating and preparing for marriage. Filming felt like an interruption. I didn’t fully appreciate the rarity and value of that success.”

Ko also shared the regret she felt during her first pregnancy when she revisited her career choices. “I asked myself, ‘What was I doing?’ I realized I had been irresponsible. I thought I had given my all, but I saw gaps in my life. I cried endlessly, but I couldn’t share those tears with anyone else.”

Toward the end of the program, Ko expressed her hopes for the future. “I feel like I’ve been rude to the public at times. I want to keep acting with a mindset that evolves with the times, even as I age, and I hope to meet everyone through many future works.”

Through tears, she appealed to the audience, saying, “I hope you won’t judge me too harshly. I want to live well as Ko Hyun-jung, someone born in 1971 in Korea, alongside all of you.”

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