Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, said that the appointment of Hong Myung-bo was carried out according to the regulations.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly conducted a comprehensive audit of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on Monday. Chairman Chung Mong-gyu was present as a witness and asked various questions.
Rep. Min Hyung-bae presented the votes and compared the appointment process of Hong Myung-bo and Shin Sang-woo. Shin Sang-woo recently took the helm of the women’s national team. When Hong Myung-bo was appointed, the committee chairman resigned and it was vacant. The interview was conducted by Lee Im-saeng, technical director. The National Assembly pointed out this as a violation of the regulations. In addition, the evaluation of candidates for the coach was subjective and passed a resolution by the board of directors after nominating him.
On the other hand, Shin Sang-woo took the helm without any procedural defects. With the chairman of the Korea Power Reinforcement Committee and seven members in attendance, the appointment of Shin Sang-woo was decided and the interview was conducted according to the regulations. Candidate verification was based on systematic quantitative evaluation and the director was appointed after the board of directors voted.
In response, Chairman Chung Mong-gyu said, “The second candidate interview process was virtually recommended after the 10th Power Reinforcement Committee, and director Lee Im-saeng proceeded with the process for the contract. I think the last subjective evaluation was discussed sufficiently by the Power Reinforcement Committee.”
“I don’t think the selection process was perfect. There were also some deficiencies. I can’t say I’m perfectly good at everything. I worked hard according to the regulations, and for the past 30 years, there have always been problems and dissenting opinions when it comes to the appointment of a coach for the Korean men’s national team. There has always been a lot of controversy,” he said.
The appointment of a Korean national team coach has been noisy throughout 2024. At the Asian Cup, Korea lost to Jordan in the semifinals. The Korea Football Association replaced Jurgen Klinsmann. The Korea Football Association has set up a new committee to strengthen its capabilities and sought a new coach.
The K-League’s reinforcement committee nominated Hong Myung-bo from the beginning. However, K-League fans including Ulsan fans showed strong opposition. It is because removing the coach at a time when the opening of the K-League is a decision that does not respect the K-League at all. Fans even staged truck protests to express their discontent. Ultimately, the K-League’s reinforcement committee backed off from the appointment of Hong Myung-bo.
The process of appointing a coach was delayed and the A-match was sent under Hwang Sun-hong as a temporary coach in March. Since then, the process of appointing a coach has not gone smoothly. News that the Korea Power Reinforcement Committee is selecting candidates for the coach continued, but there was no progress. Eventually, the A-match in June was also handed over under the interim coach Kim Do-hoon.
The committee has decided on the final candidates. Among them were two domestic coaches. Korean coaches are known to be Kim Do-hoon and Hong Myung-bo. Under such circumstances, Chairman Chung Hae-sung suddenly resigned. Lee Im-saeng will replace the vacancy of the committee chairman. 먹튀검증
Coach Hong Myung-bo indirectly declined his offer to serve as the national team coach. “If the Korea Football Association brings someone with more experience and performance than me, my name won’t come out naturally. My position is always the same, so fans don’t have to worry,” he said.