"Send me some pocket money": Controversy over released recordings of former Korea Football Association President Moon Jin-hee, with allegations of demanding money from referees and referee evaluators

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Suspicions have been raised that former Korea Football Association President Moon Jin-hee demanded money from referees and referee evaluators during his tenure, which is expected to cause a major uproar.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jo Gye-won (Rep.) released recordings from the tenure of Moon Jin-hee, Jeon (Chairman), during the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee national audit held at the National Assembly on the 21st.

According to the released recordings, former President Moon Jin-hee said, "I called asking for live ammunition (cash) or support," adding, "Send me some pocket money, send one to my account. I'll send you an account number."

In response to Jo Gye-won (Rep.)'s question, "Is that the person who, during the previous (Korea Football Association) hearing, had his hands in his pockets and answered back curtly? (Moon Jin-hee, Jeon (Chairman))," Lee Yong-soo, acting president of the Korea Football Association, replied, "Yes, that is correct."

Following this, Jo Gye-won (Rep.) explained, "According to a tip-off, Moon Jin-hee (Jeon (Chairman)) demanded money from referees and referee evaluators during his time as Shim Pan-wi (Director)."

He further pointed out, "This is not simply a matter of exchanging money. If financial transactions were conducted in relation to the number of (match) assignments or the promotion and demotion of referees, it would be a serious issue that undermines the credibility of the entire referee operation system, going beyond bribery."

However, Moon Jin-hee, Jeon (Chairman), who was selected as a witness for the national audit on this day, did not appear. Jo Gye-won (Rep.), who directly requested Moon (Chairman) as a witness, criticized through a point of order statement that "(Moon Jin-hee, Jeon (Chairman)) has completely disappeared, even changing his Daejeon mobile phone number, without even submitting a formal notice of absence."

He continued, "His arrogant attitude during the hearing sparked public outrage. He held his head high and shed his arrogance, but now he has cowardly gone into hiding out of fear of the attendance request and questioning from the legislative branch that represents the people. This is not only an act of disrespecting the people but also a mockery of the authority of the National Assembly," adding, "I request strict legal measures, such as prosecution under the National Assembly Act, against those who did not appear for unjust reasons."

In response, Lee Jae-jeong, Moon Che-wi (Director), said, "We are viewing the situation seriously. Many lawmakers likely share the same view," adding, "We will decide to mobilize the full authority that the National Assembly can exercise, as you mentioned, to take appropriate measures." Moon Jin-hee, Jeon (Chairman), voluntarily resigned four days after the National Assembly hearing last July.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original