Representative Lim Oh-kyung of the Democratic Party of Korea has withdrawn her request to summon Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) as witnesses for the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's hearing on the Korea Football Association (KFA).

Lim stated on Facebook today (July 10) that she withdrew the request after comprehensively considering the party's opinion, the players' match schedules, and their positions.

She explained, "This decision was not made to burden the players, but to create a better hearing for the development of Korean football."

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee resolved yesterday to hold a hearing to examine the KFA's process for appointing the national team head coach and finalized a list of 13 witnesses and 10 reference witnesses.

Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan had been included on the list of reference witnesses at the request of Representative Lim, with the subject of inquiry listed as "World Cup performance and national team-related matters."

Lim initially explained that she requested their attendance to hear the voices of active players who have experienced the KFA, the national team, and overseas football systems firsthand.

She said, "I believed it should not become a lopsided hearing that only listens to one side," adding, "Innovation that does not reflect the opinions of players on the field is meaningless."

For the hearing scheduled for July 22, former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo, former technical director Lee Im-saeng (currently technical director at NagaWorld FC in Cambodia), and Vice President Lee Yong-soo have been selected as witnesses.

Previously, former coach Hong released a statement announcing his intention to attend the hearing.

(Photo: Yonhap News)