Why was Chung Mong-gyu referred to the prosecution over Hong Myung-bo’s appointment?

Police said Chung allegedly interfered in the head coach nomination process to get Hong appointed in July 2024. They also believe he took steps to make the appointment look procedurally proper.

Was Hong Myung-bo charged in the KFA appointment investigation?

No. Investigators decided not to press charges against Hong because they found no sufficient evidence that he interfered in the appointment process.

What happened to Chung Mong-gyu and Hong Myung-bo after Korea’s World Cup elimination?

Both men stepped down from their posts in June after Korea was eliminated in the World Cup group stage. The police said the investigation also drew renewed attention after that exit.

Ex-nat'l football body chief referred to prosecution over ex-coach appointment

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Summary

Former Korea Football Association chief Chung Mong-gyu has been referred to the prosecution over alleged irregularities in the appointment of former men’s national team head coach Hong Myung-bo, police said Tuesday. He faces obstruction of business charges for allegedly interfering in the July 2024 nomination process to get Hong appointed. Investigators also believe Chung tried to make the appointment appear to have followed proper procedures. Police did not charge Hong, saying there was not enough evidence that he interfered.

Key Facts

Chung Mong-gyu was referred to the prosecution over alleged irregularities in Hong Myung-bo’s appointment as national team head coach.
Police said Chung faces obstruction of business charges.
Investigators believe the appointment was arranged in July 2024 and that Chung took steps to make it appear to have followed proper procedures.
Hong Myung-bo was not charged because investigators said there was not enough evidence that he interfered in the appointment process.
Both Hong and Chung stepped down after Korea’s World Cup elimination in June.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 22, 2026 1:18 pm KST

Chung Mong-gyu, former head of the Korea Football Association, arrives at the Seoul Central District Court, Sept. 4. Yonhap

Chung Mong-gyu, former chief of the Korea Football Association (KFA), has been referred to the prosecution over alleged irregularities in the appointment of former men's national team head coach Hong Myung-bo, police said Tuesday.

Chung faces charges of obstruction of business for allegedly interfering in the head coach nomination process to get Hong appointed in July 2024, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

Investigators believe Chung also took steps to make the appointment appear to have followed proper procedures.

Hong's appointment sparked major public backlash at the time, with critics raising questions over a lack of transparency and alleged procedural irregularities.

The investigation, which first began soon after Hong's appointment, recently gained renewed attention following Korea's elimination from the group stage at this year's World Cup.

Investigators, however, decided not to press charges against Hong due to a lack of evidence that he interfered in the appointment process.

Both Hong and Chung stepped down from their posts following the country's World Cup elimination in June.

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