Investigation Stalled for Two Years: Police Finally Vow "Active Progress" Amid Growing Backlash

[Anchor]

Chung Mong-gyu, President of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has been under police investigation for two years regarding the appointment process of former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo. However, the case has yet to reach a conclusion. Following the national team's World Cup elimination, which has sparked widespread public criticism, the police have belatedly announced plans to actively pursue the investigation.

Reporter Yoo Soo-Hwan has the story.

[Reporter]

Two years ago, at a National Assembly audit of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.

Criticism poured in regarding allegations that KFA President Chung Mong-gyu unfairly intervened in the process of selecting the national football team coach.

[Kim Seung-su / National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee (September 24, 2024): The process itself was extremely unfair. That is why there is anger among football fans and the public.]

[Chung Mong-gyu / KFA President (September 24, 2024): I believe there are many misunderstandings regarding the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. I do not think it deviated significantly from procedures and practices.]

Following this, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the results of a special audit into the KFA, citing 27 instances of illegal or improper administrative practices, including the coach selection process, and demanded heavy disciplinary action against three individuals, including President Chung.

[Choi Hyun-jun / Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Auditor (November 5, 2024): When appointing coach Hong Myung-bo, the technical director, who had no authority, conducted interviews in an unfair and opaque manner under the pretext of the president's instructions...]

Eight complaints related to this matter were also filed with the police.

The allegations include claims that President Chung ignored regulations while appointing coach Hong and determining his salary.

However, the police investigation has failed to reach a conclusion for two years.

Regarding this, the police explained that they "needed to observe the administrative litigation" filed by the KFA against the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to cancel the demand for President Chung's heavy disciplinary action. In April, the first-instance court ruled in favor of the Ministry, confirming that procedural illegalities had occurred.

After President Lee Jae-myung criticized the national team's elimination, stating, "The failure to qualify for the World Cup finals is a failure of organization and personnel management," the police have only now stated that they will "actively proceed with the necessary investigations."

It is reported that the police are also considering the necessity of summoning President Chung for questioning, but they appear unable to avoid criticism that they only began a full-scale investigation under pressure from public opinion and the President's remarks.

(Video Editing: Kim Jin-won)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.