'Surprise revelation' Lee Im-saeng: "Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) gave Hong Myung-bo the appointment order; timing of agreement with Naga World director..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Im-saeng, former KFA Director of Technical Affairs, has directly participated in an administrative lawsuit between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the KFA regarding the appointment process of Hong Myung-bo as national team coach, taking his case to court.

According to a the 6th exclusive report by Hankyoreh, Jung Sung-hee, a lawyer at Hanul Law Firm representing Lee Im-saeng, stated: "Contrary to the Ministry's audit findings, there is clear evidence that Lee personally documented his meeting with Coach Hong Myung-bo in writing." He further added, "To correct false facts and rumors, we submitted an application to intervene in the appeal trial currently underway at Seoul High Court between the Ministry and the KFA on the 4th."

Previously, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the results of a special audit on the KFA at the end of 2024, concluding that serious procedural violations occurred during Hong Myung-bo's appointment as national team coach. The ministry recommended severe disciplinary action against KFA President Jeong Mong-gyu, Vice President Kim Jung-bae, and former director Lee Im-saeng. In response, the KFA filed an administrative lawsuit against the Ministry, arguing it could not accept parts of the audit findings. However, the KFA lost the first trial, and the appeal trial is now ongoing at Seoul High Court.

Lee's side aims to prove in court that the appointment process was conducted normally under specific instructions from the KFA president and vice president. Lawyer Jung explained: "After Lee completed interviews with the final three candidates, including Coach Hong Myung-bo, he conveyed Hong's acceptance to Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), who immediately instructed, 'Then appoint Hong Myung-bo as coach.' Following this, Vice President Kim Jung-bae issued concrete work orders, including announcing the appointment through the public relations office, proceeding with contracts for dedicated staff, and having Lee draft a report."

In other words, Lee Im-saeng claims he merely fulfilled his duties faithfully as the KFA's highest-ranking full-time technical executive in accordance with organizational regulations by carrying out the president's instructions.

Additionally, explanations were provided regarding controversies over Lee's alleged job-seeking abroad, specifically his appointment as technical director at Cambodia's Naga World FC. Lawyer Jung added: "Lee received and ultimately accepted the offer for the technical director position from Naga World FC on June 12 last year, when the South Korean national team defeated Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifiers."

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*This content was translated by AI.