“Ruined Korean soccer” and dodging again: The only figure to no-show both the hearing and the National Assembly audit… “How can one be this irresponsible?”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Following the disaster at the 2026 FIFA North-Central America World Cup, key figures who stepped down have lined up one after another to take the witness stand before the National Assembly, but one individual has ultimately remained absent. Former Korea Football Association Technical Director Lee Im-saeng notified his absence from the national audit, citing his club’s schedule, following his no-show at a hearing in July.

According to sports and political circles on the 20th, former Director Lee, who had been designated as a witness for the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s national audit targeting seven institutional investors including the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee, scheduled for the 21st, submitted a statement of reasons for his absence.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee had planned to focus its audit on the flaws in the process of appointing the national team manager, issues that could not be addressed during the previous hearing. However, it was determined that former Director Lee submitted his statement of absence citing training schedules at Nagaworld FC (Cambodia), where he is currently serving as Technical Director.

In response, the office of Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Cho Gye-won, a member of the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, stated, “The national audit is a solemn authority granted by the Constitution and a serious occasion to question incorrect practices in state institutional investors and the sports sector on behalf of the people.” They pointed out that “the choice by key figures who have sparked public outrage to be absent without justifiable reason is not only an act of disregarding the National Assembly, but also an irresponsible attitude eager to hide corruption and current issues in the sports sector.”

The office further noted, “In particular, former Director Lee Im-saeng is dodging this national audit as well, following the previous hearing, by citing the flimsy excuse of training with a Cambodian team,” adding, “This is nothing more than an overseas flight for employment to evade responsibility and represents the height of cowardice.”

They added, “Former Director Lee is already in a state where prosecution at the level of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is scheduled due to his absence from the hearing. The witness prosecution case must be proceeded with as soon as possible.”

Former Director Lee’s absence contrasts with other football figures who previously appeared before the National Assembly. Former manager Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after finishing 34th with one win and two losses in the North-Central America World Cup, stayed at his home in the United States before entering the country directly to attend the hearing. Former Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu also received inquiries from Na Wa (Rep.) before the National Assembly. In contrast, former Director Lee, who led the manager appointment process, has not shown up despite consecutive summons.

Former Director Lee took over the task of appointing the successor head coach without official authority after Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman) Chung Hae-sung resigned in 2024. Subsequently, following late-night interviews, he finalized the appointment of former manager Hong Myung-bo.

Despite explanations that full authority had been delegated at the time, controversy did not subside. When pressed on his consent during a National Assembly inquiry on current issues, he expressed his intention to resign, and it was revealed that Vice Chairman Choi Young-il accompanied him during the late-night interview, leading to a prosecution for perjury.

Immediately after the World Cup, he took up the post of Technical Director at Nagaworld. Some pointed out that this move was an attempt to avoid appearing before the National Assembly.

Former Director Lee’s side explained that they finally accepted the offer on the day of the victory against Czechia in the first group stage match. However, he ultimately did not attend the hearing, citing his stay abroad. Suspicion has also been raised as to whether changing his Daejeon residence immediately after the World Cup was an attempt to destroy evidence.

Even after the hearing, former Director Lee has refrained from media exposure while continuing to travel between Cambodia and Korea. Meanwhile, the club’s SNS has continuously released footage of training and local activities, provoking backlash from football fans.

Recently, he also made claims contradicting his previous stance during legal disputes. When the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism demanded severe disciplinary action through a special audit, his side filed an application to participate in the lawsuit with the Seoul High Court in early this month. Former Director Lee’s side stated, “Jeong (Chairman) instructed ‘Make it Manager Hong,’ and I received instructions regarding the contract from former Vice Chairman Kim Jung-bae.” This stance contradicts his public declaration at the time of the appointment announcement that he had led the process alone and would take full responsibility.

From the procedural legitimacy of the manager appointment to the controversy over false testimony and reversed statements, the issues that need to be addressed remain unresolved. Unlike other related parties who appeared before the National Assembly to explain their positions, former Director Lee has repeatedly been absent, citing local schedules. As prosecution procedures are being mentioned, there is a point that direct explanation from the party involved is necessary.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original