Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the national soccer team, responded to media reports alleging improper use of a corporate card, stating, "I used it for work purposes in accordance with regulations."
According to Yonhap News on July 29, Hong issued a statement refuting a report by JTBC, which claimed he used approximately 14 million won on a corporate card at restaurants in Bundang, where his home is located, during his tenure as head coach.
On July 28, JTBC reported that Hong had charged 14.08 million won on his corporate card near his home, raising concerns about his spending.
Hong clarified, "I used the card only within the designated purposes and limits set by the Korea Football Association. All usage details were documented and settled with the association." He added that he had never received any criticism or requests for correction regarding his corporate card use during his tenure.
Regarding the claim that he used the corporate card 31 times on public holidays over the past two years, he explained, "One of the main duties of the head coach and coaching staff is to directly assess K League players. Most K League matches are held on weekends and public holidays. It is common for the coaching staff to visit stadiums on these days to observe players and hold meetings."
Hong noted, "The national team’s player selection list was typically announced on Mondays, and weekend meetings just before finalizing the list were essential. The corporate card usage on weekends or public holidays was for meals and operational costs incurred during team duties."
He also addressed the 14.08 million won spent in Bundang, stating, "All foreign coaches of the national team resided in Bundang. The coaching staff utilized a shared office in Bundang for meetings and operations, and meals were also held in the area."
Hong mentioned that the national team was convened twice last year at a hotel located in Jeongja-dong, Bundang, which was used as accommodation for the squad during the 2025 East Asian Cup and the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup against Jordan, held in Yongin and Suwon.
He asserted, "The corporate card usage in Bundang was not for personal consumption but rather a result of business expenses concentrated around the residence of the foreign coaching staff and the operations of the national team."
Additionally, he expressed regret over the report, stating, "It is unfortunate that the usage was interpreted as personal simply because it was close to my home, without considering the working environment of the national team and the living conditions of the coaching staff. I am preparing to present supporting documents at the hearing."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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