KB News Desk
Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the South Korean men’s national soccer team, reportedly said he did not have direct communication with former Korea Football Association chief Chung Mong-gyu during his appointment in 2024.
According to local news agency Yonhap News, Hong testified to police that he did not communicate with Chung during his controversial hiring process. The Seoul Metropolitan Agency is currently investigating whether Chung and the KFA leadership interfered in Hong’s appointment.
Civic groups have filed criminal complaints against Hong, Chung and other KFA officials at the time for charges including interference with business, coercion and embezzlement. They accused Hong and other high-ranking officials of forcing Hong’s appointment, and claimed Hong’s disappointing performance while being one of the highest-paid coaches in the World Cup was an act of embezzlement.
Hong’s squad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finished 34th, failing to reach the knockout rounds in one of its worst performances ever. His hiring has been subject to criticism since 2024, when reports indicated he was not even the candidate most recommended by the National Team Committee.
When asked about his high salary, Hong told police that he had received similar pay during his tenure as the head coach of Ulsan HD FC, of Korea’s division 1 K-League.
Other officials involved with Hong’s appointment have also denied illegal interference.
Lee Lim-saeng, KFA’s technical director at the time, said Chung had directly instructed him to interview the final three candidates for the head coaching position. Lee’s position is not typically involved in appointments, but he told officials that this decision was made after National Team Committee chief Chung Hae-soung resigned from his post.
Lee told the Seoul High Court that the former KFA chief had told him to review all candidates without prejudice, and to sign with whoever best fit the job.
Police are expected to investigate whether Chung had used his position to unlawfully pressure the board of directors authorized to appoint the head coach.
