Lee Im-sang, the former technical director of the Korea Football Association and a key figure in the controversy surrounding the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, has announced he will not attend the upcoming National Assembly audit.
According to the office of lawmaker Cho Kye-won of the Democratic Party, Lee submitted a letter of excuse to the National Assembly, stating he would be unable to attend the audit scheduled for the 21st due to commitments with his current team, Nagaworld FC, in the Cambodian Premier League.
Lee cited the training schedule of his team and travel arrangements as reasons for his absence, explaining, "Given the training schedule of my current team in Cambodia, it is impossible for me to be away for 3 to 4 days considering flight schedules."
On October 14, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a meeting and voted to summon 13 witnesses for the audit. Lee and acting president of the Football Association Lee Yong-soo were among those selected to testify.
The committee had planned to question witnesses about issues related to the overall operation of the Football Association and the process of appointing the national team coach. They intended to focus on the legitimacy of the appointment of Hong Myung-bo, which was not fully addressed during the previous hearing. However, Lee's notice of absence has disrupted these plans.
Lawmaker Cho criticized Lee's absence, stating, "Following the previous hearing, he is now avoiding the National Assembly audit with the flimsy excuse of training in Cambodia. This is merely an overseas employment escape to evade responsibility and is the height of cowardice."
Cho emphasized, "The National Assembly audit is a solemn occasion endowed with significant authority by the Constitution, where we hold state agencies and the sports community accountable for their wrongdoings on behalf of the public. The choice of key stakeholders, who are causing public outrage, to be absent without just cause is a disregard for the National Assembly."
He further condemned the irresponsible attitude of those trying to conceal corruption and current issues in the sports sector, urging that since a complaint against Lee for his absence from the previous hearing is already planned, the process for summoning witnesses should proceed swiftly.
Additionally, Kwon Oh-gap, president of the Korea Professional Football League, has also submitted an excuse letter citing health reasons for his absence.
Cho noted that he intended to question Kwon regarding the league's management responsibilities concerning controversies over overseas trips by the league and clubs, as well as allegations of embezzlement involving Gimpo FC.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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