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Coach Hong Myung-bo during South Korea’s 0-0 draw with Palestine in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Seoul, September 2024. Photo by AFP |
According to News1, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crimes investigation unit questioned Hong behind closed doors on Tuesday. This marks the first time the former South Korea national team coach has been summoned as a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the KFA.
The police are focusing on clarifying exactly how Hong was included in the list of candidates for the national team coach position in the first place and examining the overall process that led to his appointment.
In addition to investigating the allegations outlined in formal complaints, the police are collecting witness statements related to the entire coach selection process.
Hong, alongside former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu, former technical director Lee Im-saeng, and several other high-ranking officials, are facing serious allegations, including obstruction of business, breach of trust, coercion and threats, Chosun reported.
The legal case originated from a formal complaint filed by a civic group, the Committee for the People’s Livelihood and Welfare.
They alleged that the KFA blatantly violated its regulations governing the national team when appointing Hong in July 2024.
Following this action, numerous other citizen organizations filed further complaints. This public outcry increased the total number of KFA-related legal cases under active investigation to nine.
Before being transferred to Seoul police, the case was handled by the Jongno Police Station for nearly two years without reaching a conclusion.
Due to the serious nature of the allegations and the massive public attention following South Korea’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup during group stage last month, the case was transferred to the financial crimes investigation unit on July 1.
Since taking over the case, the police have questioned several key figures, including commentator Park Ju-ho, who criticized the head coach appointment procedure, and other KFA officials.
The primary focus of this investigation is to determine whether the process of appointing Hong complied with the KFA’s regulations.
These latest developments indicate that the investigation has entered a crucial phase, when Hong officially becomes a suspect. This marks a significant turning point in one of the most controversial scandals to hit South Korean football in decades.