Unveiling the Truth: Ex-Official Exposes Orders Behind Hong Myung-bo's Hiring as National Team Coach

The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the national team coach has taken a significant turn with the revelation of specific orders given by President Chung Mong-gyu. Former KFA technical director Lee Im-saeng has come forward, disclosing the instructions he received from Chung, which ultimately led to Hong's appointment.

According to Lee's account, Chung Mong-gyu instructed him to interview all three candidates for the national team head coach position, including Hong Myung-bo, without prejudice. Chung's intent was for Lee to carefully verify the candidates' sincerity toward Korean football. Lee understood this to mean that he should do his best to arrange interviews with all three candidates, which he did, despite initial difficulties with Hong.

The story behind Hong's appointment is one of intrigue and unexpected turns. Chairman Chung Hae-seong, who was leading the national team power reinforcement committee, had reported Hong as the final candidate among three contenders. However, after receiving a response close to rejection from Chung Mong-gyu, he suddenly lost contact. This sudden loss of contact led to Lee Im-saeng taking charge of the appointment process, under the direct instruction of Chung Mong-gyu.

Lee's efforts to meet with Hong, who had repeatedly declined interview offers, eventually led to what has been termed the 'bakery meeting'. This informal meeting was arranged through then-KFA Vice President Choi Young-il, who had a personal connection with Hong. The meeting took place late at night at a bakery near Hong's home, where Hong expressed his willingness to accept the national team head coach position if his club, Hyundai, released him.

The day after the bakery meeting, Lee reported Hong's statement directly to Chung Mong-gyu, who then instructed him to proceed with Hong's appointment. Chung further instructed Lee to discuss the details with Vice President Kim Jung-bae, who was overseeing practical affairs as the only full-time member among the KFA's vice presidents at the time.

The Culture Ministry has viewed Lee's actions as an arbitrary judgment that effectively recommended Hong as the final candidate, despite lacking the authority to do so. This has led to an examination by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Division into whether executives such as Chung or Lee improperly intervened in the appointment process.

The controversy surrounding Hong Myung-bo's appointment as national team coach has raised important questions about the governance and decision-making processes within the KFA. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact the future of Korean football and the roles of key figures involved in this saga.