Chung Mong-gyu questioned as suspect over Hong Myung-bo appointment, denies improper interference

Chung Mong-gyu, former president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), faced police questioning on Wednesday regarding allegations that he improperly influenced the appointment of former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crimes Investigation Unit summoned Chung as a suspect, accusing him of obstruction of business and breach of trust.

Despite entering the police investigation unit's office in Mapo District, Seoul, at around 11:50 a.m., Chung did not respond to questions, including whether he had intervened in the appointment process. He claimed to have cooperated fully with the investigation and denied any improper interference, stating that he believed no improper intervention took place.

The civic group that reported Chung to the police alleged that he became involved in the selection of the national team head coach in 2024 without adhering to the KFA's internal regulations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also conducted an audit that same year, concluding that Chung's involvement was improper.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.