Police investigating allegations surrounding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo as head coach of the national football team have transferred the case to the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for a combined investigation. The police stated they aim to reach a swift conclusion, acknowledging that the investigation had been delayed due to ongoing administrative lawsuits and other factors.
Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Investigation Agency, addressed the situation during a regular press briefing on July 6 at the Seoul Police Agency in Seodaemun. He said, "We will take measures to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible."
According to police, eight allegations related to Hong's appointment were filed at the Jongno Police Station. An additional case was reported to the Seoul Police Agency on July 2, bringing the total to nine cases now being investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit.
The Jongno Police Station transferred the case to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on July 1, citing the importance of the matter as the reason for the transfer.
The allegations center around claims that Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, and Lee Im-sang, former technical director, improperly influenced the appointment process. Police have reportedly completed their investigations of Chung and Lee, reviewing case records and legal principles.
In response to concerns about delays, Hong explained, "There were related disciplinary actions and lawsuits ongoing. In cases where criminal, civil, and administrative lawsuits are proceeding simultaneously, there are instances where we wait to reference the earlier proceedings. This case also had some of those circumstances, as I have been informed."
It is understood that police have referenced the outcomes of administrative lawsuits between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Football Association. A first-instance ruling in April indicated that the Ministry's disciplinary requests against association officials were justified.
However, there have been internal calls within the police for a swift investigation. The Investigation Review Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had directed the Jongno Police Station to expedite the handling of allegations against Lee Im-sang related to obstruction of business on September 23 of last year. Despite this, no conclusion was reached for about nine months, leading to criticisms of a sluggish investigation.
The committee's directives are not legally binding, so compliance is not enforced. Following the transfer to the Seoul Police Agency, the police plan to review existing case records and assess the need for further investigations of Chung and other individuals involved before determining the direction of the case.
Hong refrained from commenting on specific allegations or applicable laws concerning the complainants and defendants, stating that such information could influence the investigation.
Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Investigation Agency, addressed the situation during a regular press briefing on July 6 at the Seoul Police Agency in Seodaemun. He said, "We will take measures to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible."
According to police, eight allegations related to Hong's appointment were filed at the Jongno Police Station. An additional case was reported to the Seoul Police Agency on July 2, bringing the total to nine cases now being investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit.
The Jongno Police Station transferred the case to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on July 1, citing the importance of the matter as the reason for the transfer.
The allegations center around claims that Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, and Lee Im-sang, former technical director, improperly influenced the appointment process. Police have reportedly completed their investigations of Chung and Lee, reviewing case records and legal principles.
In response to concerns about delays, Hong explained, "There were related disciplinary actions and lawsuits ongoing. In cases where criminal, civil, and administrative lawsuits are proceeding simultaneously, there are instances where we wait to reference the earlier proceedings. This case also had some of those circumstances, as I have been informed."
It is understood that police have referenced the outcomes of administrative lawsuits between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Football Association. A first-instance ruling in April indicated that the Ministry's disciplinary requests against association officials were justified.
However, there have been internal calls within the police for a swift investigation. The Investigation Review Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had directed the Jongno Police Station to expedite the handling of allegations against Lee Im-sang related to obstruction of business on September 23 of last year. Despite this, no conclusion was reached for about nine months, leading to criticisms of a sluggish investigation.
The committee's directives are not legally binding, so compliance is not enforced. Following the transfer to the Seoul Police Agency, the police plan to review existing case records and assess the need for further investigations of Chung and other individuals involved before determining the direction of the case.
Hong refrained from commenting on specific allegations or applicable laws concerning the complainants and defendants, stating that such information could influence the investigation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.