'World Cup Disaster' Football Association Hearing: "We Apologize for Failing to Meet Expectations"

Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee Reviews Managerial Appointments and Association Operations

Former President Jeong Mong-gyu and Former Coach Hong Myung-bo Attend and Apologize

Absence of Former Technical Director Lee Im-saeng, Who Led

A parliamentary hearing was held to examine the overall mismanagement of Korean football. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties intensively questioned those responsible for the national team's elimination during the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, as well as the process of appointing the national team coach and the overall operations of the Korea Football Association. There was also sharp criticism regarding the absence of key witnesses and the association's failure to submit requested materials.

On July 30, the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a hearing on current issues related to the Korea Football Association, focusing on problems in the association’s management that surfaced after the national football team's elimination during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. The hearing, which was initially scheduled for the 22nd of July but postponed due to negotiations over committee formation, was finally convened on this day.

In his opening remarks, Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chairman Lee Jae-jeong stated, “Football has enjoyed national popularity, but recent allegations concerning the fairness and transparency of the coach selection process and the association’s management have led to public concern and criticism.” He added, “This hearing should go beyond simply uncovering the facts and serve as an opportunity to seek ways to operate the football association in a manner that can regain public trust.” Lee further emphasized, “This session is not about scrutinizing the performance of the national team, but is the starting point for institutional reform. Rather than engaging in narrow disputes, I urge all participants to focus on establishing the facts necessary for improvement and to develop practical ways to enhance transparency.”

Chung Monggyu, former president of the Korea Football Association (left), is appearing as a witness at the hearing on current issues of the Korea Football Association held on the 30th at the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. On the right is Hong Myungbo, former coach of the national soccer team, who also appeared as a witness. Photo by Yonhap News

Chairman Lee also expressed regret over the non-attendance of a large number of witnesses and references. He said, “The committee requested the attendance of 15 witnesses and 13 references, but 9 references submitted written statements and did not appear. Some gave reasons that are difficult for the public to accept. Given the significant public interest, it is not only the National Assembly’s demand but also the public’s expectation that must be addressed sincerely.” He warned, “Those who turn away from this hearing cannot be exempt from responsibility, and if necessary, we may demand their attendance again in future government audits.”

Lawmakers from both parties also unanimously criticized the association’s failure to submit evidence materials. In particular, there was ongoing criticism that Lee Im-saeng, the former technical director of the Korea Football Association and a key figure in the appointment of former coach Hong Myungbo, was evading responsibility by not attending the hearing.

Cho Eunhee, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, “Although Lee Im-saeng, the former technical director, played a central role in the appointment of coach Hong Myungbo, he did not attend the hearing on the grounds that he is overseas. Park Jisung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee; Seo Kangil, head of the Jeonbuk Football Association, who remarked ‘What do you know about football administration?’; and Baek Hyunseok, head of the Busan Football Association, also did not attend, raising concerns that this hearing may become ‘half-baked’ or ineffective.”

The hearing proceeded with an issue report by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyeong and the witness oath by former Korea Football Association president Chung Monggyu, followed by the main round of questions. Former president Chung stated, “I did my best during my tenure as president, but I apologize for failing to achieve good results at the North and Central America World Cup.” Former national football coach Hong Myungbo also expressed, “I feel a heavy heart for not meeting the public’s expectations. I will speak honestly about what I know at this hearing.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.