South Korea football federation to hold KFA hearing on Hong Myeong‑bo and KFA misconduct

The South Korean National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee has scheduled a hearing for 22 April to scrutinise the Korean Football Association’s (KFA) operations after the national team’s early exit from the 2026 North‑American World Cup. The committee named 13 witnesses and 10 reference persons, including former KFA president Jeong Mong‑gyu and former national team coach Hong Myeong‑bo, who resigned over the disappointing performance.

Hong has indicated he will attend the hearing if summoned, telling the Hong Myeong‑bo Scholarship Foundation, “If they call, I’ll go.” His statements were reported by several outlets, noting that he left the country for the United States after returning to Korea. The hearing is expected to address the coach‑appointment process, the opaque selection of Jeong‑Mong‑gyu’s successor, and broader governance issues within the KFA.

Separately, former KFA head coach Paulo Bento has conveyed his interest in returning to the vacant senior‑team coaching post, contacting the association through known staff. While no formal application has been filed, his willingness signals a possible shift in the search for a new head coach following Hong’s resignation.