Chapter 45
[Boca Juniors' Yoo Jiwoo! Finally Ranks #1 in the League Scoring Charts!]
[Yoo Jiwoo Records 13 Goals and 15 Assists in 25 Matches Across League and Cup Competitions!]
[Argentinian Football's Love Call for South Korean Star Yoo Jiwoo!]
[Agent Confirms: "It's True That We've Received a Lucrative Offer."]
[Argentinian Football Association: "Yoo is an Extraordinary Talent. We Won't Hesitate to Make Any Offer to Secure Him."]
This news quickly spread throughout South Korea, flooding sports community websites.
No way!!!!!!
ㄴ What's the association even doing? Letting such a talent slip away? Insane.
ㄴ The association is hopeless. Who put us in this mess in the first place?
ㄴ Careful, someone might be reading! Watch your words about "that person."
ㄴ But seriously, that guy's reputation is terrible even without this.
Honestly, I'll support Jiwoo no matter what decision he makes.
ㄴ It would be amazing if Jiwoo joined the national team, but I can't blame him for how hard things must've been for him.
ㄴ True. Just having him grow into such an incredible player is enough to make me proud. Wherever he goes, I'll cheer for him.
ㄴ But… I still hope he'll represent Korea.
Jiwoo's earlier interview, where he stated he wouldn't consider naturalization, had already caused a storm of criticism against the football association for its incompetence. Now, the uproar reached a new peak.
A History of Scandals
2025: Embezzlement by association officials.
2026: Nepotism scandal in World Cup player selections.
2028: Infighting and faction disputes within the association.
2029: Administrative errors in the U-17 World Cup.
These incidents, once swept under the rug, began resurfacing one after another, revealing the deep-rooted corruption within the Korean Football Association.
The public demanded accountability, resulting in the dismissal of key allies of Cha Seongin, the vice president of the association. Although Cha initially believed he could weather the storm as he had in the past, this time was different.
The Exposé
"Cha Seongin's Lies: When Will They End?"
Barely 30 minutes after Cha's attempt to defend himself in an article, counter-reports flooded in. Soon, the entire nation knew the truth.
"I work for the association, and let me tell you, Cha Seongin is the root of the problem. A man with no real skills, surviving solely on connections."
ㄴ "I've heard rumors about him for years. Glad he's finally getting what he deserves."
ㄴ "Now's the time to expose everything. Journalists, do your job!"
The situation reached a breaking point when Park Woogeun, a legendary former player, released incriminating audio recordings of Cha.
The Recordings
1. "That brat is refusing to join the national team? Find a way to penalize him."
2. "What? The people are angry? They're like dogs and pigs—hot-headed but quick to forget."
3. "Embezzlement? Cut off a few scapegoats and send them away quietly."
4. "Find dirt on Yoo Jiwoo. Target his family if necessary."
5. "Convince Argentina to naturalize him. If he stays Korean, he'll be a thorn in my side."
The revelations spanned an entire year's worth of damning conversations, leaving Cha with no room to escape.
The Press Conference
Desperate, Cha decided to hold a press conference, believing that a display of humility could win him some sympathy. However, when he arrived, he was met with an unexpected twist.
"Wait, civilians are here? Didn't I specifically tell you to only let in reporters?"
"The public sentiment is terrible right now. Turning them away would only make things worse."
"Damn it… Fine. Just make sure they don't cause trouble."
Despite his unease, Cha entered the room with his entourage, forcing a smile as he greeted the crowd.
"Good afternoon. I am Cha Seongin, Vice President of the Korean Football Association."
He began his speech, explaining that the accusations against him were misunderstandings and that he had only acted with the best intentions for Korean football.
"If anyone has been hurt in the process, I am committed to providing all necessary support to make amends. That is my—"
Before he could finish, a sharp interruption came from the crowd.
Thunk.
That was when it happened.
A round object flew through the air and struck Cha Seong-in squarely on the forehead.
"Ugh!"
The object that came flying from afar?
It was an egg.
"You bastard! And you call yourself human?!"
"Stop spouting nonsense!"
Contrary to Cha Seong-in's expectations, no one believed his words anymore.
Unlike the past, when no one dared to speak up, the courage of people like Park Woo-geun had made the truth known to all.
"E-excuse me! Just a moment—ugh!"
The citizens' uproar turned the press conference into utter chaos.
Eggs flew from all directions, and reporters eagerly captured the ridiculous sight of Cha Seong-in covered in yolk as he fled the scene.
---
Advertisements
[PHOTO] Vice President Cha Seong-in flees after being pelted with eggs!
[Cha Seong-in: 'Hurting makes me resign.']
[Cha Seong-in: 'At this pace, I could make the national team.']
—Press "ㅋ" to express JOY.
ㄴ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
ㄴ LMAO, the reporter is a genius with that national team jab.
ㄴ Good riddance! Glad we don't have to see this scumbag anymore.
---
Unable to resolve anything, Cha Seong-in had no choice but to give up and await his inevitable downfall.
However, the real revelations were only just beginning.
---
[Vice President Cha Seong-in accused of embezzling association funds for personal use.]
[Intervened in U-17 Youth World Cup player selection in 2029!]
[Evidence of internal personnel bribery within the association emerges!]
Day after day, exposés about him flooded the news.
---
[KFA Vice President Cha Seong-in: "I take full responsibility and will resign."]
[Former Vice President Cha Seong-in handed over to prosecutors!]
Even the truths he wanted to take to his grave surfaced in the headlines.
---
[Former Vice President Cha Seong-in implicated in Yoo Ji-woo assault case.]
Amid the countless scandals, there was one particular truth that caught people's attention—the truth about the Yoo Ji-woo incident, which had led to universal condemnation of him at the time.
---
[Cha Seong-in directly involved in Yoo Ji-woo's disciplinary action!]
As new revelations about the Yoo Ji-woo assault case emerged, the Korea Football Association (KFA) held an official press conference.
Bowing deeply, KFA President Jang Moon-ki and the leadership faced the cameras.
"To all the citizens of this country, we deeply apologize for the disappointing actions of our association. Taking this incident as an opportunity, we promise transparent and honest management to dedicate ourselves to the future of Korean football."
President Jang Moon-ki had always been distant from Cha Seong-in.
Despite holding the title of president, he had been overshadowed by Cha Seong-in's hunger for power, reduced to a mere figurehead.
Now, emboldened by the courage of his cherished colleagues, he decided he would no longer hide in the shadows.
"All individuals, including Cha Seong-in, have stepped down as of yesterday. Additionally, the KFA pledges to reform with new personnel."
While reporters documented the scene, Jang Moon-ki lifted his head and continued.
"And… there is a player who was deeply hurt by the former vice president's schemes."
As Jang Moon-ki brought up Yoo Ji-woo, flashes erupted from the cameras.
"To the player who was wronged, we sincerely apologize and will spare no effort to uncover the truth."
He then bowed deeply.
"On behalf of the Korea Football Association, we extend our apologies to Yoo Ji-woo and his family for the lasting harm caused."
Every KFA employee bowed their heads, a rare sight that the reporters captured eagerly.
---
December 18
League Match, Round 27: Boca Juniors vs. CA Vélez Sarsfield
A little later, the team bus arrived at La Bombonera, and as the players disembarked, fans swarmed to catch a glimpse.
"Win it for us today!"
"We're counting on you!"
Among the crowd was a young girl perched on her father's shoulders, clutching a sign with Yoo Ji-woo's name. She eagerly scanned the scene until she spotted Yoo Ji-woo stepping off the bus and shouted with all her might.
"Ji-woo!"
But her voice was drowned out by the crowd's cheers.
"Aw…"
The girl pouted, but her father reassured her warmly.
"It's just because there are so many people. Still, it's nice to see him, right?"
The father-daughter duo had been Yoo Ji-woo fans since the start of the season.
"It is nice, but I wish I could get his autograph."
At that moment, the crowd began to part.
"Hey, kiddo, look over there."
One fan called out to the girl and pointed ahead. She lifted her head to see Yoo Ji-woo gesturing toward her.
"Hi there!"
Her father beamed and thanked the fans for stepping aside before gently guiding his daughter to Yoo Ji-woo.
"Where should I sign?"
"Here!"
She spun around, pointing to her back.
Scratch, scratch.
Yoo Ji-woo signed beneath the jersey number, and the girl beamed with joy.
"Thank you!"
"We came five hours just to see you!"
"Wow… That must've been tough."
"Not at all. Seeing her this happy melts all the fatigue away."
"I'll make sure to show you a winning performance since you came from so far."
As Yoo Ji-woo turned to head inside, the girl called out once more.
"Make sure you win!"
Her words made Yoo Ji-woo smile as he gave her a thumbs-up.
"Of course."
---
The game was a one-sided affair, pitting the league's top team against its bottom dweller.
By halftime, the scoreboard read [6–0].
Boca Juniors utterly dominated CA Vélez Sarsfield in every aspect.
---
[Utter domination! CA Vélez Sarsfield can't even touch Boca Juniors!]
[Possession is 86% to 14%! And today, Yoo Ji-woo recorded two assists, putting him second in the league with 12 assists overall. One more assist, and he'll tie Santiago Medina for first place!]
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