Key facts
- Former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and ex-coach Hong Myung-bo were questioned in a parliamentary hearing.
- Lawmakers focused on opaque management at the KFA and South Korea's World Cup performance.
- Chung apologized for controversial issues and inadequate results during his 13-year tenure.
- Hong also apologized and accepted responsibility for the team's performance.
- Concerns were raised about the transparency of the coaching hiring process.
Lawmakers grilled former Korea Football Association (KFA) president Chung Mong-gyu and ex-head coach Hong Myung-bo during a parliamentary hearing on July 30, 2026, demanding answers on management issues and the national team's performance at the FIFA World Cup.
The hearing, convened by the National Assembly's committee on sports, focused on opaque management practices at the KFA and the reasons behind South Korea's early exit from the World Cup group stage, where they recorded one win and two losses.
Chung, who recently resigned after a 13-year tenure as KFA president, apologized for controversial issues and the team's inadequate results. He stated he would now concentrate on his business management. Hong, who resigned immediately after the World Cup elimination, also apologized and accepted responsibility for not meeting fan expectations.
Legislators raised questions about the transparency of the coaching hiring process, particularly Hong's appointment. Rep. Bae Hyun-jin suggested Hong was hired without a proper interview, a claim Hong countered by stating he believed proper steps were taken and he never sought special treatment. Rep. Lim O-kyeong questioned Chung about the perception of favoritism towards Korea University alumni within the KFA, to which Chung responded that only one of 25 head coaches hired under him attended the university, though he apologized for the perception.
Lee Lim-saeng, the former KFA technical director involved in Hong's hiring, was not present at the hearing. The committee chair, Rep. Lee Jae-jung, stressed that his absence did not absolve him of responsibility.
Discussions also touched upon the team's World Cup performance, with assistant coach Kim Jin-kyu denying rumors of a rift between Hong and players during the tournament. Rep. Choi Min-hee pressed Kim on the reasons for the loss to an underdog team, criticizing the attitude of football officials.
In response to the World Cup exit, the sports ministry formed the K-Football Innovation Committee to discuss KFA governance improvements. Two co-chairs of this committee, former South Korean captain Park Ji-sung and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Ryu Seung-min, were invited as expert witnesses, with Ryu attending the hearing.