Former football chief Jung Mong-gyu questioned over alleged improper role in Hong Myung-bo appointment

Former Korea Football Association president Jung Mong-gyu appeared before police as a suspect over allegations that he improperly intervened in the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as South Korea’s national team coach.

The questioning marked the first summons since the case moved to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s major crimes unit. The agency’s financial crimes investigation team said it was questioning Jung on suspicion of obstruction of business.

Asked by reporters why he had improperly intervened in the selection process, Jung replied: “I do not think there was any improper intervention at all.”

Jung faces allegations alongside former technical director Lee Im-saeng and former technical committee member Yoon Deok-yeo. They are suspected of interfering in the 2024 appointment process and giving preferential treatment to Hong. Lee previously claimed in a court filing that he met three coaching candidates, including Hong, on Jung’s instructions.

Police began investigating after receiving a complaint in July 2024. Amid criticism that the investigation had been delayed, the Seoul agency took direct control of the case in July. Last month, officers searched the Korea Football Association’s offices in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and its Seoul headquarters in Jongno, seizing materials related to the coaching appointment.

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I do not think there was any improper intervention at all.