Hong Myung-bo "I don't think the appointment process was unfair"
Minister Yoo In-chon "Under audit... Results announced on October 2"
Jung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, explained that he could not disclose the salary of Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the national football team, as it is personal information.
On the 24th, President Jung Mong-kyu appeared at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee plenary session and responded this way to a question from Kim Seung-soo, a member of the People Power Party, asking about Coach Hong Myung-bo's salary.
In a current affairs inquiry, Representative Kim Seung-soo requested the submission of documents related to Coach Hong Myung-bo's salary, but the Football Association did not submit the documents, and he asked President Jung, "How much was Coach Hong Myung-bo's salary set at?"
In response, President Jung said, "That is personal information," and "I cannot disclose such details."
When Representative Kim asked again, "You stated that you would treat him equally to foreign coaches, and the media is reporting about 2 billion won. Is it similar?" President Jung replied, "I don't really know."
During the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee plenary session's current affairs inquiry, questions continued regarding the recent public outrage over the controversy surrounding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the national football team coach. Lawmakers repeatedly pointed out procedural issues.
Cho Gye-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked whether it was a legal procedure for Lee Im-saeng, the technical director of the Korea Football Association who was delegated full authority in the appointment process of Coach Hong Myung-bo, to receive full authority from the five members of the Strengthening Committee at that time. He pointed out that there might be a regulatory issue since a committee of seven or more members was not formed. In response, Director Lee said, "I was told by the association that there is no regulatory problem."
Representative Cho Gye-won asked Coach Hong Myung-bo whether he would consider resigning if it was confirmed that he was appointed through an unfair procedure. Coach Hong mentioned his past experience in conducting coach appointment procedures within the association and replied, "I do not think my appointment was unfair." Coach Hong also emphasized, "The World Cup qualifiers are just around the corner," and said, "I believe my mission is to strengthen the team during the remaining period and achieve good results at the World Cup."
Yoo In-chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "Procedural matters are very important," and explained, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is currently auditing the coach appointment process." Minister Yoo added, "The results will be announced on October 2," and said, "If there are any mistakes in the coach appointment process, they will be pointed out, and the Football Association will have to decide on the coach's position afterward."
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