National Assembly Holds 'Football Hearing'… Chung Mong-gyu and Hong Myung-bo Deny Various Suspicions

Ruling and opposition lawmakers on the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee scrutinized the administrative disorder of the Korea Football Association through a hearing.

Former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo attended as witnesses and apologized for the disappointing World Cup performance.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a hearing on the Football Association today (the 30th).

This hearing was pushed forward after the national team was eliminated in the group stage of the North and Central America World Cup following lackluster performances.

Ruling and opposition lawmakers questioned issues surrounding the national team, including the appointment of former coach Hong Myung-bo, as well as the overall administration of the Football Association.

Lee Jae-jung, chair of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, explained the purpose of the hearing, saying, "South Korean football has long established itself as a national sport that brings joy and pride to the public. Recently, various suspicions have been raised regarding the appointment of coaches and the fairness and transparency of operations, and public concern and criticism regarding the overall management continue."

She continued, "This is not a place to simply question the poor performance of the national team," adding, "This hearing will be an opportunity not only to examine the raised suspicions, but also to gather wisdom on how the Football Association should be operated in the future and on football governance as a general matter."

A total of 15 people were adopted as witnesses for the hearing.

Former Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu, former coach Hong Myung-bo, Football Association Vice Presidents Lee Young-soo and Kim Byung-ji, and Managing Director Kim Seung-hee attended.

Former President Chung said, "During my tenure, I tried my best for the development of South Korean football, but I am sorry for the series of controversies and the insufficient results at the North and Central America World Cup." He added, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility and apologize for failing to meet the expectations of the public and fans."

He then stated, "Going forward, I will focus on management as a businessperson and contribute to society."

Former coach Hong Myung-bo also said, "I would first like to express my apologies for not meeting the public's expectations regarding the World Cup results," adding, "I am taking the responsibility heavily for failing to repay the expectations sent to the national team."

Former President Chung and former coach Hong, who received intensive questioning, actively refuted various suspicions such as a "cartel" or "preferential treatment."

Among the witnesses, former Association Technical Director Lee Lim-saeng (currently technical director of Cambodian club NagaWorld) and former Vice President Park Hang-seo (currently head coach of Thai League 2 club Power Kanchanaburi FC) did not attend.

Out of 13 reference witnesses initially adopted, only four attended, including Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min and Innovation Committee member Kim Dae-hee.

President Yoo Seung-min serves as the co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, which was launched under the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to reform the football community.

Park Ji-sung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, along with members Lee Young-pyo and Park Joo-ho, did not appear.

Reference witnesses are not obligated to attend.

Chair Lee Jae-jung expressed regret over the absence of some witnesses and reference witnesses and their inadequate reasons for non-attendance, stating, "I want to say once again that turning away from the hearing does not mean one can be free from that responsibility," and mentioning that they could be summoned again for upcoming parliamentary audits.

Amid intensifying public criticism as the national team left the disappointing result of failing to even reach the round of 32 at the North and Central America World Cup, the Korea Football Association faces sweeping changes.

The activities of the K-Football Innovation Committee are ongoing, and with former President Chung Mong-gyu, who led the association for three years, stepping down, efforts to rebuild from scratch, including improving the election system, are continuing.

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.