Former South Korean Football Officials Grilled in Parliamentary Hearing Over World Cup Failure and Management

Former Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu and former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo were questioned during a South Korean parliamentary hearing on Thursday regarding the association's management and the national team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup. The National Assembly's committee on sports, chaired by Democratic Party Representative Lee Jae-jung, convened the session to investigate allegations of opaque operations within the KFA following South Korea's failure to advance past the group stage after recording one win and two losses. Both Chung and Hong issued apologies for failing to meet the expectations of fans and the public.

Lawmakers raised specific concerns regarding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo. People Power Party Representative Bae Hyun-jin alleged that Hong was hired without a proper interview, claiming he was offered the job at a bakery by a technical director who lacked the authority to make coaching appointments. Hong stated that he believed normal procedures had been followed at the time and denied requesting special favors. Additionally, Democratic Party Representative Lim O-kyeong questioned whether alumni of Korea University received preferential treatment within the KFA. Chung, an alumnus himself, responded that only one of 25 men's national team head coaches hired during his tenure attended the university.

The hearing was marked by several controversies involving members of the National Assembly. A text exchange between People Power Party Representative Yun Yong-keun and Chung Mong-gyu surfaced, suggesting possible lobbying for favorable treatment before the session. Chung apologized for the misunderstanding but denied seeking special favors. Furthermore, Democratic Party Representative Cho Gye-won repeatedly referred to the KFA as "KFC," the fried chicken franchise, while questioning Chung about association rules and AFC regulations.