Former KFA Official Seeks to Join Lawsuit Over Coach Hong Myung-bo's Appointment
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Named sources
In the courts
- Former Korea Football Association technical director Leeim-saeng has applied to join a lawsuit between the association and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
- Lee claims to have records of his interview with national team coach Hong Myung-bo, contradicting the ministry's findings.
- The ministry had recommended disciplinary action against several officials, including Lee, over the process of appointing Hong.
Leeim-saeng, the former technical director of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has filed an application to join a lawsuit between the KFA and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST). Lee aims to correct factual inaccuracies in the ministry's audit findings regarding the appointment process of national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
Lee's legal representatives stated on June 6 that contrary to the MCST's understanding, Lee possesses handwritten records from his interview with Hong Myung-bo. They submitted a "litigation participation" application to the Seoul High Court, where the ongoing lawsuit between the ministry and the KFA is being heard, to rectify what they describe as false information and rumors.
The MCST announced its audit results in late 2024, identifying procedural issues in Hong Myung-bo's appointment. The ministry recommended disciplinary measures against KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, Vice President Kim Jeong-bae, and Leeim-saeng. However, the KFA rejected parts of the audit findings and filed an administrative lawsuit, which it lost in the first trial.
Leeim-saeng possesses handwritten records from his interview with Hong Myung-bo.
Lee's application to join the current appeal at the Seoul High Court, filed on June 4, seeks to prove the alleged errors in the established facts in court. His lawyer, Jeong Seong-hee, stated that Lee completed interviews with final candidates, including Hong Myung-bo. According to Jeong, when Lee informed KFA President Chung Mong-gyu of Hong's acceptance, Chung said, "Then let's go with Hong Myung-bo." Subsequently, Vice President Kim Jeong-bae provided specific instructions regarding the announcement and contract process.
Lee's legal team asserts that as the highest-ranking technical official, he was merely carrying out instructions from the KFA president according to the association's regulations. Additionally, his move to become technical director for NagaWorld FC in Cambodia was a result of accepting the club's offer on June 12, after the South Korean national team's victory over Czechia.
Then let's go with Hong Myung-bo.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
