The Korea Football Association (KFA) is facing intense public criticism for its mishandling of the men's national football team coaching appointments. KFA President Chung Mong-gyu is at the heart of the controversy, accused of bypassing established procedures in selecting both the current head coach, Hong Myung-bo, and his predecessor, Jurgen Klinsmann. An investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism uncovered major procedural violations, fueling public outrage and leading many to call for Chung's resignation.

The ministry's interim report, led by Inspector General Choi Hyun-joon, found that Chung overstepped his authority by instructing KFA technical director Lee Lim-saeng to interview candidates for the head coach position. This responsibility traditionally falls under the purview of the National Teams Committee, which reviews and recommends candidates to the KFA board for final approval. However, this process was bypassed. At the time, Chung Hae-sung had been appointed chairman of the National Teams Committee to lead the search for a new coach, but resigned in June due to health issues, further complicating the situation.

The ministry also uncovered irregularities in the appointment of Klinsmann as head coach. His selection bypassed the proper procedures, leaving the National Teams Committee powerless during the process. Michael Muller, the committee's chairman at the time, was supposed to have sole authority to review candidates for the position. However, Chung, the KFA president, personally interviewed Klinsmann and another candidate, overstepping his authority and disregarding established protocols. The absence of documentation and transparency surrounding these interviews has fueled accusations of favoritism and mismanagement.

Public outrage grew further when Hong Myung-bo, then coach of Ulsan Hyundai, was named the new national team manager in July. The KFA's unorthodox methods in securing Hong's appointment fueled suspicions of improper conduct. The ministry's findings revealed significant irregularities in the interview process for Hong. KFA technical director Lee Lim-saeng met Hong late at night near his home, with no formal interview structure, questionnaires, or observers present. This unprofessional approach has been widely criticized as outdated and authoritarian, pointing to deeper issues within the KFA's management and administration.

Despite the flaws in the hiring process, the ministry deemed it excessive to cancel Hong's contract. However, public dissatisfaction continues to grow. Football fans and stakeholders have expressed their disapproval of the KFA's handling of the situation, with many calling for accountability. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon has also raised concerns, urging Hong to voluntarily resign if his appointment is deemed unfair. During a National Assembly meeting on Sept. 24, Yoo suggested that restarting the hiring process might be the best way to restore public trust.

At the heart of the controversy is Chung's leadership, which many see as the root cause of the problems plaguing the KFA. Critics argue that Chung's decision to interfere in the head coach selection process has damaged the association's credibility. The Korea Football Coaches Association, along with other senior football figures, have called for Chung's immediate resignation. In their view, he has repeatedly demonstrated incompetence and mismanagement, undermining public trust in the KFA. They argue that the association's leadership is out of touch with the values of fairness and transparency that are expected in modern sports management.

The coaches association has specifically criticized the KFA's leadership for engaging in practices that reflect favoritism and a lack of professionalism. They believe that Chung's actions have alienated the public and tarnished the reputation of the national team, which should represent the nation's prestige on the global stage.

As public pressure continues to mount, calls for Chung to step down have intensified. The current crisis, fueled by accusations of nepotism, procedural violations and disregard for public opinion, has left the KFA in a precarious position. To restore credibility and regain public trust, many believe that significant changes are necessary, starting with Chung's resignation. The football community is demanding a more transparent and fair leadership structure, one that prioritizes the integrity of the sport and reflects the will of the people.