Han Jeong-soo and Hong Myung-bo's 'salary forfeiture' → KFA 'sexual bribery' controversy sparks criticism of a "rotten organization" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As news emerged that the Korea Football Association (KFA) had engaged in sexual bribery toward foreign referees in the past, causing uproar in the football community, actor Han Jeong-soo added his voice to the criticism.

On the 7th, Han Jeong-soo posted on his personal account: "The Korea Football Association was a rotten organization far beyond my imagination. Sexual bribery? It's truly shameful. Dissolve all local associations as well. I will fight until the end."

The KFA's organized sexual bribery was uncovered during an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016. At that time, the ministry confirmed that between March 2011 and March 2012, sexual bribery at the KFA level had been provided to approximately ten foreign referees involved in seven matches, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifiers, the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers, and friendly matches for the A national team and Olympic representative team. This information, previously undisclosed to the public, only recently came to light, triggering widespread controversy.

In the seven matches where sexual bribery was provided to these referees, the South Korean A national team and Olympic representative team achieved an undefeated record of five wins and two draws. The football association further intensified the shock by labeling the sexual bribery as a "customary practice."

Previously, Han Jeong-soo criticized former coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after the South Korean national football team was eliminated in the group stage of this year's World Cup, stating: "As human beings, you must uphold at least minimal conscience. Since you claimed to serve selflessly, if you have even a shred of conscience, you should forfeit your salary."

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*This content was translated by AI.