The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is facing intense criticism over a hearing aimed at addressing various administrative issues and allegations of favoritism in the appointment of coaches within the Korea Football Association (KFA). The lack of accountability from KFA officials and the inadequate questioning by lawmakers have sparked outrage among netizens.
During the hearing, lawmakers questioned the so-called "Korea University cartel" within the KFA. One committee member raised their voice, asking KFA President Chung Mong-kyu, "Have you heard of the 'Korea University cartel'? You, the head of the association, and the coach are both from Korea University. There are claims that if you are not from Korea University, you can't even step into the association."
In response, President Chung denied the cartel allegations, stating, "Out of the 25 men's national team coaches I appointed, only one was from Korea University, and there were no Korea University graduates among the more than 20 women’s national team coaches I appointed."
However, he later remarked, "If we had reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup, this hearing would not have even taken place," which left attendees and viewers stunned. This comment trivialized the core issue of procedural fairness and administrative dysfunction, reducing it to mere complaints about game outcomes.
Additionally, the explanation provided by coach Hong Myung-bo regarding his appointment process, which involved meeting the technical director at his home rather than through a formal interview, has also raised concerns.
Coach Hong acknowledged, "Meeting at my home may appear opaque to the public, but I have never requested any favoritism or benefits." He maintained that there were no procedural issues in his appointment.
As he continued to assert that he was selected through a normal process, many criticized him, noting that as the former technical committee chair during the appointment of coach Paulo Bento, he had established a proper system.
Netizens watching the hearing in real-time strongly criticized both the KFA officials' lack of awareness and the lawmakers' superficial questioning.
Comments included, "The problem is that Choi Young-il and Lee Im-sang pleaded with him to take the position; just because he claims he didn't ask for favoritism doesn't mean it wasn't favoritism," and "It's absurd that someone who created the appointment process for Bento didn't realize it was favoritism when it came to his own selection." Others remarked, "If we had reached the Round of 16, would this all have been overlooked?" and "There are too many who think results matter more than processes. But we didn't make it, did we? It's unfortunate to see someone still not grasping what went wrong."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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