South Korea FA Apologizes Amidst Sex Scandal and Coaching Controversy

South Korea's football association has issued a broad apology amid a series of scandals, including accusations of unfair practices in appointing a coach and allegations of providing sexual entertainment to foreign referees. The Korea Football Association (KFA) has faced intense criticism since the national team's early exit from the World Cup.

Despite expectations for a "golden generation" led by Son Heung-min, the team's performance led to the resignation of head coach Hong Myung-bo. However, his departure did little to quell public anger, particularly concerning questions surrounding his hiring. Reports surfaced last week, citing a previously undisclosed 2016 government audit, that the KFA had provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees in 2011 and 2012.

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We sincerely apologize for the deep disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies surrounding the association in the wake of the 2026 World Cup.

"We sincerely apologize for the deep disappointment and concern caused by the various controversies surrounding the association in the wake of the 2026 World Cup," the KFA stated on its website. The association described its situation as "truly deplorable," admitting it had "lost sight of our fundamental role."

The apology came after a police raid on KFA headquarters as part of an investigation into the appointment of Hong, who coached South Korea during the 2002 World Cup. Scrutiny intensified after the team's failure to advance in the recent tournament. South Korean lawmakers had summoned Hong and KFA officials to a parliamentary hearing on July 30 to question the hiring process and Hong's salary. The allegations of providing "inappropriate hospitality" on eight occasions to foreign referees and officials from the Chinese Football Association, as reported by broadcaster JTBC, have further damaged the KFA's reputation. While many within the KFA claimed unawareness of these incidents, the association did not deny their occurrence, stating such conduct has ceased.

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The association wishes to make clear that such improper conduct... is no longer taking place.