Seo Su-gil, who has stepped down as president of the Korea Billiards Federation [Yonhap]
Seo Su-gil, who has stepped down as president of the Korea Billiards Federation [Yonhap]

The Korea Billiards Federation announced Monday that President Seo Su-gil had stepped down, citing personal reasons.

Seo was elected federation president in January last year and worked to reform the sport. During his tenure, he revived the national team system, reinvigorated domestic competitions and pushed to bring billiards content to a wider audience.

He also worked to transform billiards from a competition-focused sport into a festival-style event that engages the broader public. He stepped down after roughly a year and a half, less than halfway through his term.

Sources in the billiards community said Seo's sudden departure stemmed from poor earnings at Soop, the streaming platform he runs as his primary business, as well as internal opposition within the federation.

"I am deeply sorry for stepping down before completing my term," Seo said. "Even after leaving the presidency, my interest in and support for Korean billiards will remain unchanged."

The federation said it will begin the process of electing a new president in accordance with its bylaws and relevant regulations. Under Korean Sport & Olympic Committee rules, a new president must be elected within 60 days, with one possible extension — though the total period may not exceed six months.


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