"It was a demand from the people, not from National Assembly members." National Assembly criticizes witnesses and references who failed to appear at the hearing: Lee Im-saeng, Seo Gang-il, and others

*This content was translated by AI.

The National Assembly launched a sharp criticism against witnesses and references who failed to appear at the hearing on the Korea Football Association (KFA).

Lee Jae-jeong, Chair of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 30th ahead of the KFA hearing held in the National Assembly: "Lee Im-saeng, former Technical Director of the KFA; Park Hang-seo, former Vice President of the KFA; and nine references submitted statements explaining their absence but did not appear at the hearing."

He continued, "In some cases, the reasons given by certain references for not appearing at the National Assembly hearing were difficult to accept from the public's perspective. For example, they cited 'personal matters.' Can that be accepted with sufficient explanation? It is regrettable," he criticized.

Lee Jae-jeong emphasized, "Of course, references are not legally obligated to appear, but the National Assembly's request for their appearance is not a demand from National Assembly members; it is a public demand to appear at a forum open to discussion." He added, "It is only proper to respond diligently and with at least minimal willingness."

Lee Jae-jeong, also from the People Power Party, stated, "Key witnesses failed to appear at today's hearing. For instance, Lee Im-saeng, the technical director, led a blind interview when Hong Myung-bo was appointed as coach. He is the person who proceeded with the appointment of (Hong Myung-bo) as coach without any meeting minutes or other documentation, despite having no authority over the appointment." He added, "That individual left for abroad and did not appear at the hearing."

He further pointed out, "Seo Gang-il, President of the Jeonbuk Football Association, who criticized K-Football Innovation Committee members such as Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo by asking 'What do you know?' also failed to appear. Baek Hyun-sik, President of the Busan Football Association, who defended the regime of Chung Mong-koo and supported the sudden pardons of those involved in match-fixing, also did not show up, claiming he needed to care for stray animals."

Lee Jae-jeong warned, "In matters like this hearing that have drawn significant public attention, individuals must bear their share of public disappointment for failing to fulfill their social responsibilities. Avoiding this hearing does not free one from responsibility. They may be summoned again in future scheduled national audits or other proceedings."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.