'Witness' Hong Myung-bo to the witness stand, 'Reference Person' Son Heung-min offered a platform... Why athletes are also summoned at the hearing

*This content was translated by AI.

National representatives including Son Heung-min were selected as reference persons for the National Assembly hearing on issues facing the Korea Football Association. While attendance is not mandatory, the move aims to provide a platform where they can express their views if they choose to do so.

Noh Jong-myeon, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker serving on the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, revealed the background for selecting athletes as reference persons via his social media (SNS) on the 9th. He explained, "There is a need to provide an opportunity for testimony, but we also considered the burden of appearing before the public and decided not to compel their attendance."

The list of those summoned for this hearing is divided into 'witnesses' and 'reference persons.' Thirteen individuals, including former KFA President Jeong Mong-gyu and Jeon (CEO) team coach Hong Myung-bo, are in witness status with a legal obligation to appear. Refusal to attend could result in legal sanctions. In contrast, 10 people, including Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan, and Park Ji-sung (K-Football Innovation Committee Gong Dong-wi (Director)), were selected as reference persons without penalties for non-attendance.

This is interpreted as a measure to prevent public backlash that could arise from forcibly bringing active sports stars into a hearing arena filled with political exchanges. At the same time, it effectively lays down a 'platform' allowing athletes to speak out officially without hesitation if they have internal grievances they wish to reveal regarding KFA administration or the process of missing the World Cup qualification.

Noh (Rep.) also mentioned an alternative in case the athletes ultimately do not appear at the hearing. He added, "We considered that their opinions can be heard and reflected during the Innovation Committee's activities." This implies a plan to quietly gather the voices of athletes through the Innovation Committee led by Park Ji-sung Gong Dong-wi (Director).

Meanwhile, former coach Hong Myung-bo, who was selected as a witness, previously stated via an official statement and the scholarship foundation that "I will come if summoned by the National Assembly. I will explain the circumstances directly to ensure no responsibility falls on the athletes," expressing his determination to face the issue head-on.

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*This content was translated by AI.