South Korea football hearing removes Son Heung‑min and Hwang Hee‑chan as reference persons

The South Korean National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee set a hearing for 22 July to examine the Korean Football Association’s coach‑selection process and overall governance after the national team’s group‑stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The committee initially listed national‑team captain Son Heung‑min and winger Hwang Hee‑chan as reference persons without prior consultation with the players.

Critics argued the move ignored the athletes’ club schedules—Son’s MLS matches with LA FC on 18 and 23 July and Hwang’s preseason commitments with Wolverhampton—making attendance unlikely. Reference persons have no legal duty to appear, prompting accusations that the inclusion was merely for show. In response, Democratic‑party lawmaker Im Oh‑kyung withdrew both players’ names the following day, saying the decision considered party opinion, the players’ match calendars, and the need to avoid undue pressure.

The hearing will proceed with 13 witnesses, including former KFA officials, and ten other reference persons such as former players and administrators. No confirmed attendance from Son or Hwang is expected.