Seoul: The former head of the national football federation and the ex-head coach of the men's national team were scrutinized during a parliamentary hearing, as lawmakers sought answers on multiple fronts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung Mong-gyu, who recently stepped down as president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), and Hong Myung-bo, who resigned as South Korea's head coach following the team's early departure from the FIFA World Cup in June, were called in as witnesses during the session held by the National Assembly's committee on sports. The hearing, chaired by Rep. Lee Jae-jung of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), aimed to question Chung, Hong, and others regarding opaque management practices at the KFA and the reasons behind South Korea's failure to progress beyond the group stage at the World Cup.
South Korea's performance in Group A saw them secure one win and suffer two losses, resulting in their elimination before reaching the round of 32. Rep. Lee emphasized the significance of football in the country, stating, "Football has long been a sport that has given our people so much joy and a sense of pride. It has been more than a sport for us." She added that the hearing would address suspicions about the KFA's operations and explore ideas for improving its governance.
Chung, who ended his 13-year reign in early July, offered an apology for the team's disappointing World Cup performance. "During my time at the KFA, I tried my best to ensure development for Korean football. I would like to apologize for a series of controversial issues and for the inadequate results at the World Cup," he stated, noting his intention to focus on business management and societal contributions.
Hong, who resigned immediately after the World Cup exit, also issued his apology, acknowledging his responsibility for not meeting fans' expectations. He pledged to clarify the facts and accept responsibility where due.
The KFA had previously faced a comprehensive investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2024 over alleged improprieties in Hong's hiring process. Chung, Hong, and other KFA executives were also scrutinized during a parliamentary audit in 2024, with many of the same questions resurfacing in the recent hearing.
Rep. Lee revisited the World Cup results despite earlier assurances that the hearing's focus would extend beyond match outcomes. Meanwhile, DP Rep. Lim O-kyeong raised concerns about perceived favoritism towards Korea University alumni within the KFA, a notion Chung disputed while apologizing for any such perceptions.
Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party criticized Hong's hiring process, describing it as lacking transparency. Hong responded, asserting that he believed proper steps were taken and denied seeking special treatment.
Lee Lim-saeng, the former KFA technical director involved in Hong's hiring, did not attend the hearing due to his current role with a Cambodian club. Committee chair Lee Jae-jung stressed that absence from the hearing did not exempt witnesses from accountability.
In response to South Korea's World Cup elimination, the sports ministry has established the K-Football Innovation Committee to address governance and other issues within the KFA. The committee includes notable figures like former South Korean captain Park Ji-sung and Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Ryu Seung-min, though only Ryu attended the hearing.
During the session, Kim Jin-kyu, an assistant coach for Hong at the World Cup, refuted rumors of discord between Hong and players during the tournament. DP Rep. Choi Min-hee highlighted fan speculation that Hong benched key players Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung out of spite, contributing to South Korea's loss. Kim disagreed with this view and expressed difficulty in explaining the loss, prompting Choi to criticize the team's approach despite having talented players.