South Korean coach Hong Myung‑bo faces police investigation over alleged misconduct

South Korea’s former national team coach Hong Myung‑bo is under a comprehensive police probe after a citizen group, Seominwi, filed accusations of coercion, threats and misappropriation of public funds during his appointment. The Financial Crimes Investigation Team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police began taking statements from complainants on 14 July, following the group’s 2 July petition that also named former KFA chairman Chung Mong‑kyu and former technical director Lee Im‑saeng. Seominwi alleges that Chung and Lee pressured the Strengthening Team Committee and used deception to secure a salary for an “unqualified” coach. The investigation has been transferred from the Jongno precinct to the Financial Crimes unit, with eight related cases now under its jurisdiction. A parliamentary hearing by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is scheduled for 22 July, where Hong, Chung and Lee are expected to be questioned before a panel of 13 witnesses.