"Former Coach Hong Myung-bo to Appear as Witness; Japan Also Watches Korea Football Association Hearing... 'Will Face Intense Questioning on Corporate Card Issues'"

*This content was translated by AI.

The upcoming National Assembly hearing on the Korea Football Association and the scheduled appearance of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo are drawing significant attention in Japan as well.

On the 30th, Nippon TV (NTV) reported: "A hearing targeting the Korea Football Association, amid intensifying criticism following South Korea's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and Mexico, will be held today. Former coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to appear as a witness." The broadcast explained that this hearing comes after growing criticism over allegations that (Jeong Mong-gyu), president of the Korea Football Association, improperly intervened during the appointment process of former coach Hong Myung-bo following the national team's early exit from the World Cup group stage.

The broadcaster added: "Former President Jeong Mong-gyu and former coach Hong Myung-bo are among those scheduled to appear as witnesses in today's hearing. Coach Hong previously stated through a formal statement that he would not evade any questions. Recently, reports emerged regarding his use of a corporate card near his residence, and he is expected to face intense questioning on this matter as well."

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will hold a hearing on the Korea Football Association today starting at 10:00 AM at the National Assembly building. The committee plans to examine the entire administration of the Korea Football Association, including the appointment processes of former coaches Jürgen Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo, the reasons behind South Korea's failure in the North America and Mexico World Cup, and controversies surrounding coach Hong's use of a corporate card. However, regarding reports about his use of a corporate card on holidays or near his residence, Coach Hong had previously stated: "I used it strictly within the designated purpose and limit as prescribed by the Korea Football Association regulations. Reports that failed to consider the working environment of the national team and the living conditions of coaching staff are deeply regrettable."

Among the 15th witnesses legally required to appear, 13, including former President Jeong Mong-gyu and former coach Hong Myung-bo, are expected to attend. However, Lee Im-saeng, former Chief Technical Officer who played a key role in appointing Coach Hong, and Park Hang-seo, former Vice President of the Korea Football Association who accompanied the team as head of the support unit during the World Cup campaign, have reportedly submitted non-attendance forms citing "overseas residence." Former Technical Director Lee Im-saeng has taken up a position as Technical Director at Nagaworld FC in Cambodia, while former Vice President Park Hang-seo has been appointed as head coach of Kanchanaburi Power FC in Thailand's second division.

Park Ji-sung, who was designated as a non-witness reference person for the K-Football Innovation Committee, and Lee Young-pyo, another member of the committee, have reportedly notified their intention not to appear. Additionally, three individuals from the SeDo Chuk-gu-hyeop (Chairman) region, including Seo Gang-il, president of the Jeonbuk Football Association who sparked controversy with offensive interview remarks, have submitted non-attendance forms citing health reasons or volunteer work with abandoned animals. Reference persons are not legally obligated to appear.

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*This content was translated by AI.