Seoul: The former president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), Chung Mong-gyu, and ex-head coach of the South Korea men's national team, Hong Myung-bo, were scrutinized in a parliamentary hearing held by the National Assembly's committee on sports. This session aimed to address issues surrounding the management of the KFA and South Korea's recent early exit from the FIFA World Cup.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the committee, led by Rep. Lee Jae-jung of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), sought clarity on the KFA's opaque management practices and the factors leading to South Korea's failure to advance beyond the group stage. The national team managed one win and two losses in Group A, missing out on the round of 32, which fueled public concern and suspicion about the federation's operations and coaching selections.

Chung Mong-gyu, who resigned as KFA president in early July after 13 years, apologized for the team's disappointing World Cup performance and pledged to focus on his business endeavors. Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down following the World Cup, also expressed regret for not meeting fans' expectations.

The hearing revisited issues from a previous investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism into the KFA's hiring processes, including allegations of favoring Korea University alumni and the controversial appointment of Hong without a formal interview. Despite the committee's promise not to focus solely on match results, discussions inevitably touched on why South Korea failed to progress in the World Cup.

Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young announced plans for a special audit into the KFA, indicating ongoing scrutiny of the federation. Meanwhile, the KFA, under acting leader Lee Yong-soo, opted to continue its legal challenge against disciplinary actions suggested by the ministry, pending a potential review by a new leadership team.