On Sept. 30, The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) concluded that the Korean Football Association (KFA) violated several rules in the process of hiring the new head coach of the men’s national team, Hong Myung-bo. The investigation, initiated from public scrutiny over the sudden and obscure hiring process, revealed a series of administrative oversights.
However, it was deemed difficult to hold Hong responsible for the issue and, therefore, he was not forced to resign.
The dissatisfaction surrounding the KFA has been building since the appointment of Jürgen Klinsmann as the previous head coach. Many fans were frustrated with the KFA president, Chung Mong-gyu, for allegedly making decisions separately and bypassing the proper procedures. Reports indicate that Chung had already decided on Klinsmann’s appointment prior to consulting the board, making the final meeting a mere formality. Similarly, Chung was said to have intervened inappropriately in Hong’s appointment.
“I think Korea’s military culture [respect and acknowledgement towards seniors] affected the decision of Hong as coach significantly,” Edward Yoon (11), boy’s varsity soccer goalkeeper, said. “Although he might have done what he believed was best, Chung’s decision process should have been more transparent. I don’t think South Korea would be able to make it to the knockouts for the next world cup.”
Fans were dissatisfied as they had hoped for the appointment of a foreign coach, such as André Villas-Boas. The recurring lack of professionalism, favoritism, and disregard for proper processes have left many calling for the KFA to overhaul its leadership and restore credibility.
Yet, there are also some football fans that take a more optimistic stance on Hong’s appointment.
“Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, I still have hope toward Hong’s coaching,” Robin Ibbotson, varsity soccer coach, said. “He’s been a coach for different teams in the past, and as a great soccer player himself, his experience will help guide the team well.”
Regardless of this controversy, the South Korean men’s football team led by coach Hong will play an away match against Jordan on the 10th, and a home game against Iraq on the 15th.
