Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Investigate Soccer Association National Team Coach Appointment Process

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is reportedly taking a stance to directly investigate the Korea Football Association (KFA), which has recently faced fierce criticism from fans over the process of appointing the national football team coach.

According to Yonhap News on the 15th, a senior official from the Ministry stated that they will look into whether there are any inappropriate aspects related to the operation of the Football Association and whether there were any flaws in the process of appointing the national team coach. If any issues are found, they intend to take measures within the authority of the Ministry.

Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the national soccer team, is giving an interview at Incheon International Airport before departing for a business trip to Europe on the 15th.
Photo by Yonhap News

After parting ways with former coach J?rgen Klinsmann, the Football Association searched for a new coach for five months and on the 7th appointed Hong Myung-bo, the manager of Ulsan Hyundai FC in professional football, as the head coach of the national team.

Various controversies arose during this process. Two days before accepting the position as national team coach, on the 5th, Hong Myung-bo stated in an interview with the media that he had no intention of taking the national team coach position. Additionally, immediately after Hong’s appointment, Park Joo-ho, who was a member of the Football Association’s Strengthening Committee, resigned from his position and pointed out problems in the coach appointment process on his personal YouTube channel. This led to growing criticism from fans against the Football Association, and ultimately the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced its intention to investigate the situation.

On the 15th, as Hong Myung-bo departed for a business trip to Europe to appoint foreign coaches, he told reporters regarding the controversy after his appointment, "I understand many people’s concerns, but I hope you will support my last challenge in life."

Hong previously served as the national team coach about 11 years ago. In June 2013, just one year before the 2014 Brazil World Cup, he suddenly took charge of the national team and after one year of preparation, the team finished the Brazil World Cup with a disappointing record of one draw and two losses in the group stage, leading to his bitter departure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.