*This content was translated by AI.
Recent updates on Lee Im-saeng, former KFA Chief Technical Officer who played a pivotal role in the selection process for Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the South Korean national team but notably did not appear at the KFA hearing, have been made public. While South Korean football remains in crisis, Lee, seen in a video released by his affiliated club, was beaming with an exceptionally bright smile.
On the 21st (Korean time), a video released by Nagaworld FC (Cambodia), where former director Lee Im-saeng is serving as Technical Director, captured him smiling. The footage shows the Nagaworld squad checking into a hotel; in the clip, the former director was seen sitting with his legs crossed in what appears to be a lobby, chatting and laughing with staff members.
This marks the first time since last month's 7th official announcement of Lee Im-saeng's appointment as Nagaworld FC Technical Director that his recent activities have been revealed. At that time, images of Lee released via so-called "official photos" were rarely shown afterward. The club also did not separately release any activity photos or videos of the newly appointed Technical Director Lee.
Amid reports that a National Assembly hearing regarding the KFA was to be held, suspicions arose that Lee's appointment as Technical Director was merely a form of escape from the hearing. Indeed, former director Lee Im-saeng did not attend the KFA hearing held at the National Assembly on the 30th of last month, citing "employment abroad" as his reason. While former President Jeong Mong-gyu and Hong Myung-bo's Jeon (CEO) team coach both appeared, Lee's failure to appear at the hearing—despite having played a leading role during Hong's appointment—was cited as the primary reason the hearing ultimately ended in futility.
Coincidentally, exactly one week after the hearing concluded, former director Lee Im-saeng issued a statement through a media outlet on the 6th. At that time, Lee's legal representative stated, "Contrary to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism audit findings, there is clear evidence that Lee personally documented his meeting with Coach Hong Myung-bo in writing." The representative added, "To correct false information and rumors, we submitted an application to participate as a third party in the appeal case between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Football Association at the Seoul High Court on the 4th."
Furthermore, Lee's legal team explained, "After completing interviews with the three final candidates, including Coach Hong Myung-bo, we conveyed Coach Hong's acceptance to Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman), who then instructed, 'Then let's appoint Coach Hong Myung-bo.' Following this, Vice President Kim Jeong-bae issued specific directives, including announcing the appointment through the public relations office, proceeding with contracts for dedicated staff, and having the former director prepare a report." However, these claims were made not during the hearing but through a media report.
Moreover, two years ago during Hong Myung-bo's appointment, Lee had asserted, "I alone led (Coach Hong Myung-bo)'s appointment. I will take full responsibility," and even shed tears while announcing his resignation during National Assembly inquiries. Yet, two years later, he failed to appear at the KFA hearing and abruptly changed his stance through his legal representative, claiming, "Coach Hong was appointed under Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman)'s instructions," sparking further controversy.
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, South Korean football still lacks a clear turning point. The timing for the next presidential election remains undecided, and with the national team head coach position vacant following Coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation, an open recruitment process to appoint an interim coach is underway. Against this backdrop, the recently revealed "bright smile" of former director Lee Im-saeng stood in stark contrast to the still-chaotic atmosphere surrounding South Korean football.
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*This content was translated by AI.
