Parliamentary hearing to probe South Korean football team's coaching selection

South Korea's National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee has scheduled a hearing for September 22 to scrutinize the national football team's coaching appointment procedures. This move comes in response to widespread public disappointment after the team's early exit from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The committee, led by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-jung, plans to review the overall operational status of the Korea Football Association (KFA). The hearing will include reports from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and testimonies from witnesses and reference persons. The Democratic Party initiated the hearing, while the ruling People Power Party has been boycotting legislative activities.

Thirteen individuals have been designated as witnesses, including former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu, and former technical director Lee Eum-saeng. Additionally, ten reference persons have been summoned, including K-Football Innovation Committee co-chairs Park Ji-sung and Yoo Seung-min, and former committee members Park Joo-ho and Lee Young-pyo. Despite some internal debate, current players Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan were also called as reference persons.

In a statement released through the Hong Myung-bo Scholarship Foundation, Hong confirmed his intention to attend the hearing. He stated, "The hearing is an opportunity to explain the World Cup results to the public." He added, "I will speak truthfully about what I know and will not avoid any questions." Hong also addressed his departure to the United States shortly after returning to Korea, explaining it was not an attempt to evade responsibility but due to threats against him and his family, necessitating his presence to protect them.