Moon Jin-hee, chairman of the Korea Football Association (KFA) Referee Committee, who sparked controversy with an inappropriate attitude at a parliamentary hearing—such as answering lawmakers with one hand in his trouser pocket and raising his voice—has expressed his intention to resign.
A KFA official stated, "Chairman Moon has expressed his intention to resign," adding, "We have moved up the referee evaluation committee meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday to hold it today. Once the schedule is wrapped up, he is expected to submit his resignation."
During the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing regarding the KFA held on July 30, Chairman Moon drew heavy criticism for arguing with lawmakers during the questioning session.
Moon has been suspected of aiding former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu in "illegal election campaigning," and failed to properly answer questions from Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Kim Jaewon, or rather:
[Kim Jaewon / Rebuilding Korea Party Lawmaker: Sit up straight. Answer politely. I've been watching you since earlier while other members were speaking.]
[Moon Jin-hee / KFA Referee Committee Chairman: No, so the lawmaker gets to speak and I shouldn't?]
[Kim Jaewon / Rebuilding Korea Party Lawmaker: This is the hall of the people's will.]
[Moon Jin-hee / KFA Referee Committee Chairman: Then lower your voice.]
He also displayed an aggressive attitude with one hand tucked in his pocket when Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Cho Kye-won pointed out his inappropriate demeanor.
[Moon Jin-hee / KFA Referee Committee Chairman: Don't butt in there, since this morning.]
Following the recent hearing, demands reportedly emerged mainly among KFA delegates for disciplinary action against Moon over the controversy. With internal pressure mounting, speculations are rising that Moon chose to voluntarily step down before the disciplinary procedures could take full effect.
According to the KFA articles of association, executives immediately step down from their positions upon submitting a letter of resignation.
(Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Lee Eui-sun | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News)
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