A national petition calling for the disbandment of the Korea Football Association (KFA) due to controversies surrounding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as the national team head coach has garnered 50,000 signatures.
With this support, the petition is set to be addressed at the National Assembly. Alongside an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, political pressure on the KFA is expected to intensify.
A man, only identified as Jeon, posted a petition on July 17 on the National Assembly’s petition board requesting an audit and the disbandment of the KFA.
As of the morning of July 29, the petition had received over 50,000 signatures. According to the National Assembly’s petition system, 커뮤니티 issues that receive more than 50,000 signatures within 30 days are referred to the relevant standing committee. The petition regarding the KFA will be handled by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.
In the petition, Jeon criticized the KFA for ignoring fair administrative procedures in managing the national team, accusing the association’s president and executives of essentially privatizing the organization for their own benefit.
Jeon claimed that from the start, Hong’s appointment as coach was pre-determined, despite attempts to appear as though they were considering foreign coaches.
In the meantime, at his inaugural press conference, Hong said, “I stand here with an immense sense of responsibility and endless remorse for breaking promises to K-League fans. I will humbly accept any criticism or blame.”
Emphasizing his commitment, Hong said, “The only way to be forgiven is to lead the national football team’s growth and development from my position. I am confident that we will achieve better results, such as reaching the round of 16 or higher at the 2026 North and Central American World Cup, and meet the high expectations.”