[Anchor]

Politicians from both sides of the aisle are taking aim at the Korea Football Association (KFA). Calls are mounting to "fix the arrogance and incompetence" of the organization and to "establish measures at the parliamentary level." Suggestions have even been made for a National Assembly hearing and the introduction of a direct election system for the KFA president.

Reporter Park Chan-beom has the story.

[Reporter]

Following the confirmation of the national football team's elimination in the Round of 32, the Democratic Party of Korea has vowed to reform the KFA.

[Han Byung-do / Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (Yesterday): We will discuss parliamentary-level measures to ensure that the arrogance and incompetence of the Korea Football Association do not continue to disappoint the public.]

Some Democratic Party lawmakers have argued that "the rot must be cut out this time" and that "KFA President Chung Mong-gyu and former head coach Hong Myung-bo must be summoned to the National Assembly for questioning on pending issues."

Demands have also emerged from the People Power Party, with members insisting that the relevant parliamentary standing committee must thoroughly inspect the overall operations of the association. Representative Jin Jong-oh, a former national shooting athlete, mentioned the possibility of a parliamentary hearing and a direct election system for the KFA president.

[Jin Jong-oh / People Power Party Lawmaker (CBS Radio 'Park Sung-tae's News Show'): People are calling it a 'gymnasium election' (an undemocratic election process). I understand that by consulting quickly with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, it is possible to switch to a direct election system (for the KFA president).]

The National Assembly previously held a session in September 2024 to examine the fairness of the appointment process for former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo.

[Kang Yu-jung / Then-Democratic Party Lawmaker (September 2024): My first thought is that it is worse than a neighborhood social club or a hobby group.]

[Shin Dong-wook / People Power Party Lawmaker (September 2024): Coach Hong received 7 votes, and Wagner received 7 votes. You cannot say that Coach Hong had the most votes, can you?]

[Hong Myung-bo / Then-National Football Team Head Coach (September 2024): I do not think it was unfair, nor do I believe there was any preferential treatment.]

However, since former coach Hong has already stepped down from his position, some observers suggest that even if the National Assembly holds a hearing and calls him as a witness, it is highly unlikely he will attend.

Furthermore, some lawmakers remain skeptical about how sincerely the KFA will cooperate with such efforts.

(Video reporting: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video editing: Jang Hyun-ki | Design: Hwang Se-yeon)