Lee Lim-생, former Technical Director of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has directly joined the legal battle, participating in an 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.

Legal representatives for the former director stated, "Contrary to the findings of the Ministry's audit, handwritten records made by Director Lee at the time of interviewing former coach Hong clearly exist." They added, "To correct the incorrect facts and rumors, an application to join the lawsuit was submitted on the 4th to the Seoul High Court, where the appellate trial between the Ministry and the KFA is currently underway."

Previously, at the end of 2024, the Ministry announced the results of its specific audit into the KFA, concluding that there were serious procedural violations in the appointment process of 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, claiming it could not accept parts of the audit results, but lost in the first trial. An appellate trial is currently being held at the Seoul High Court.

The legal representative for the former director stated that they will prove in court that the appointment process at the time was conducted normally in accordance with specific instructions from the president and vice president.

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

An explanation was also provided regarding former Director Lee's recent move to Cambodia, which had sparked controversy over alleged overseas evasion employment.

The former director's side drew a line against the evasion suspicions, stating, "The final acceptance of the offer was made on June 12, when the South Korean World Cup national team defeated Czechia," which was before the controversy surrounding responsibility for the national team's defeat arose.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Da-in | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News