Key facts
- Former Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu and ex-national team coach Hong Myung-bo were questioned in a parliamentary hearing.
- Lawmakers focused on opaque management at the KFA and the reasons for South Korea's early exit from the FIFA World Cup.
- Chung apologized for controversial issues and inadequate World Cup results during his 13-year tenure.
- Hong also apologized and accepted responsibility for the team's performance.
- Questions were raised about the transparency of the coaching hiring process, specifically Hong's appointment.
SEOUL, July 30 (Yonhap) -- Lawmakers on Thursday grilled the former head of South Korea's national football federation and the ex-coach of the men's national team during a parliamentary hearing, demanding explanations for opaque management at the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup.
Chung Mong-gyu, who recently resigned as KFA president after 13 years, and Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down as head coach following the World Cup elimination in June, were called as witnesses by the National Assembly's committee on sports. The committee, chaired by Rep. Lee Jae-jung, aimed to review suspicions surrounding the KFA's operations and explore ideas for improved football governance.
Chung apologized for the team's performance and a series of controversial issues during his tenure, stating he would now focus on his business management. Hong also apologized and accepted responsibility for not meeting fan expectations. The hearing revisited questions about the KFA's hiring process for Hong, with some lawmakers alleging a lack of transparency and proper procedure, including an offer made at a bakery.
Chung addressed perceptions of favoritism towards alumni of Korea University, his alma mater, stating that only one of 25 men's national team head coaches hired under his watch attended the institution. However, he apologized for the public's perception. The sports ministry has formed a new K-Football Innovation Committee to discuss governance improvements, with its co-chairs, former captain Park Ji-sung and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Ryu Seung-min, being expert witnesses at the hearing.