"Did the Football Association operate in an ad hoc manner?" Former President Jeong Mong-gyu faces allegations of pre-hearing contact with committee members... "I am deeply sorry"

*This content was translated by AI.

At a National Assembly hearing convened to investigate the chaotic administration of the Korea Football Association, allegations were raised that former President Jeong Mong-gyu attempted pre-hearing contact and lobbying with committee members.

During the hearing on issues related to the Korea Football Association held by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee at Seoul Yeouido National Assembly on the 30th, circumstances were captured showing private messages being exchanged between a hearing committee member and a witness.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Choi Min-hee, after noticing the exchange of messages on-site, stated, "Something strange is happening in the hearing room. Is it permissible for a hearing committee member and a witness to exchange such messages?" and immediately requested that relevant materials be submitted to Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chairperson Lee Jae-jeong for verification.

Following this, Lee Jae-jeong (Chairman) strongly questioned whether there was an attempt at pre-hearing lobbying directed at Jeong Jeon (Chairman). When Lee (Chairman) criticized, "Did you contact committee members for the purpose of lobbying during the preparation process? Did you try to establish connections in advance by mobilizing acquaintances and networks?" Jeong Jeon (Chairman) brushed it off, asking, "What do you mean by 'establishing connections'?"

When Lee Jae-jeong (Chairman) asked again about the contact, former President Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman) eventually admitted to attempting to identify committee members in advance. Jeong Jeon (Chairman) explained, "I did ask if anyone I know might be available," adding, "I asked what questions they would raise and whether there was anything to prepare in advance. I said that so I could answer well."

In response, Lee (Chairman) sharply remarked, "Did the Football Association operate in an ad hoc manner where everything is resolved through acquaintances?" and strongly criticized, "Attempting to contact committee members who are asking questions on behalf of the people through personal connections is an act that undermines public trust and is extremely disappointing."

At the hearing that day, controversy intensified with the exposure of text messages exchanged between former President Jeong Mong-gyu and People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Yong-geun. Yoon (Rep.) explained, "It is true that after morning questioning, I sent a message conveying 'I am sorry for not showing consideration' due to our private friendship," but added, "However, you asked very tough questions during the afternoon session as well; personal matters are personal matters and did not diminish the questioning."

In addition, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Noh Jong-myeon stated, "The full text of the message was revealed through media reports, and a person referred to as 'Senior Jeong' appears in it," demanding that the exact circumstances be clarified regarding how Jeong Jeon (Chairman) attempted to contact a hearing committee member through this individual known as 'Senior Jeong,' and requested an explanation of the source and background.

Former President Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman), under repeated questioning, bowed his head and said, "I asked out of curiosity about what questions you would raise, but I did not realize it would cause great disappointment to the public and a loss of trust," adding, "I feel deeply sorry."

Lee (Chairman) pointed out former President Jeong Mong-gyu Jeon (Chairman)'s attempt at pre-hearing contact, stating, "Both the content of the answers and the manner in which prior contact was made follow the same path as the national distrust that has been directed toward the Football Association for a long time."

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*This content was translated by AI.