Former KFA Vice President Investigated Over Alleged Undue Influence in Coach Appointment

Kim Jung-bae, the former executive vice president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), is currently being investigated by the police over allegations of improperly influencing the appointment of former national football team coach Hong Myung-bo. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crimes Investigation Unit is leading the probe into Kim's alleged involvement.

In addition to Kim, Yoon Duk-yeo, who served as a member of the KFA's Technical Committee when Hong was appointed, is also being questioned by authorities. Kim Jung-bae, who previously held a vice minister position in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was the only full-time executive vice president among the KFA's vice presidents at the time of Hong's appointment. He is suspected of having unduly intervened in the process while overseeing the practical aspects of the selection.

This police investigation follows a prior audit conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the KFA in 2024. The ministry concluded that Kim Jung-bae, along with former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu and former Technical Director Lee Im-saeng, should face severe disciplinary measures, including suspension, for intervening in the appointment process without proper authority or failing to adhere to regulations. The current investigation aims to uncover the extent and nature of this alleged undue influence.