Will Hong Myung-bo be able to resolve the suspicions pointed out in the process of taking the helm of the national soccer team? Attention is focusing on what kind of story he will tell at the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 24th.
In February this year, Korean soccer spent nearly half a year to appoint a new coach after replacing former coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
In July, Hong, who was leading Ulsan HD in the K League 1, was appointed, but concerns and criticism poured out rather than expectations and support.
Coach Hong, who said, “I decided to challenge for the development of Korean soccer, not personal greed,” began his work, saying, “I humbly accept criticism and criticism and intelligence and will play a given role in advancing Korean soccer.”
Coach Hong continued to visit the U-19 national team and attend and host the Korea Football Technology Philosophy (MIK) workshop, starting with European business trips and overseas meetings to appoint foreign coaches.
The first and second rounds of the Asian qualifying round B for the ‘2026 FIFA North-China World Cup’, which involved Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Lee Kang-in (PSG), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), and Kim Min-jae (Munich), were difficult to get a passing score.
The national team drew 0-0 at home in the first leg against Palestine on the 5th after a rough match.
The A-match sellout procession ended due to anger toward coach Hong and the Korea Football Association, and even booed at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Thanks to Son Heung-min’s outstanding performance, the team won the second away game against Oman 3-1 on the 10th.
Although he won his first victory, he could not find the overwhelming flow that fans expected against Oman after Palestine.
“4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 points, 1 loss)” South Korea ranked second in Group B in terms of goal difference and multiple points.
In the aftermath of the draw against Palestine, the away game against Jordan (No. 1) in Game 3 on the 10th of next month and the home game against Iraq (No. 3) in Game 4 on the 15th became important.
Korean soccer is faltering not only inside the ground but also outside.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched an investigation into the Korea Badminton Association and is looking into the process of appointing Hong and the operation of the national team.
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yoo In-chon, who is calling for a full-scale reform of the sports community, said, “We are addressing the overall problems of the association. The audit will be completed within September.”
On the 24th, the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will call Hong, Chairman Chung Mong-gyu, and technical director Lee Im-saeng as witnesses to raise related suspicions.
“There is an internal report that Hong’s appointment process was not fair,” said Rep. Jin Jong-oh, who runs the National Information Center for Corruption in the sports community. “We are preparing to raise the issue based on data and evidence,” he said. “The Korea Football Association seems to have a problem. There are witnesses, too.” 토토사이트
If Hong and the Korea Football Association fail to address the controversy over fairness, criticism toward Korean soccer is expected to continue.