"Chung Mong-gyu Gave the Instruction," New Claim Raised… Joins Legal Battle Claiming "It's Not My Fault"

Former Korea Football Association (KFA) Technical Director Lee Im-saeng has directly joined the administrative lawsuit between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the KFA surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, stepping into a legal battle.

Lee's legal representative stated, "Unlike the findings of the Ministry's audit, handwritten materials clearly exist from when former Director Lee interviewed former Coach Hong. To correct false facts and rumors, we submitted an application to join the lawsuit on the 4th to the Seoul High Court, where the appeal between the Ministry and the KFA is currently underway."

Previously, the Ministry announced the results of a specific audit into the KFA in late 2024, concluding that there were serious procedural violations in the process of appointing former Coach Hong and recommending heavy disciplinary action against KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, Vice President Kim Jung-bae, and former Director Lee.

In response, the KFA filed an administrative lawsuit against the Ministry, stating it could not accept parts of the audit results, but lost in the first trial. An appeal trial is currently being held at the Seoul High Court.

Former Director Lee's side stated that they will prove in court that the appointment process at the time was conducted normally according to the specific instructions of the president and vice president.

Former Director Lee's side explained, "After finishing interviews with the final three candidates, including Coach Hong Myung-bo, when we conveyed Coach Hong's willingness to accept the position to President Chung, we received an instruction on the spot to 'go with Coach Hong.' Afterwards, specific work instructions followed from Vice President Kim, such as announcing the internal appointment through the public relations office, proceeding with the contract through a dedicated staff member, and having former Director Lee draft a report."

An explanation was also provided regarding former Director Lee's departure for Cambodia, which recently sparked controversy over an alleged flight to avoid scrutiny through overseas employment.

Former Director Lee's side drew a line against suspicions of fleeing, stating that "the time when the offer was finally accepted was June 12, when the South Korean World Cup national team defeated Czechia," which was before the controversy over responsibility for the national team's defeat arose.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Dain | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.