South Korean Football Association Under Pressure: Allegations of Sex Massages for Referees

According to the Yonhap report, the activities had already been identified in 2016 following a review of the KFA by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but were not made public at the time. The fact that the alleged incidents went unexposed for years is fueling criticism of the transparency and oversight within the association. The Yonhap news agency has now reported extensively on the case, citing the JTBC research.

The broadcaster JTBC had previously made the allegations public in an investigative report. The reporters reportedly presented alleged evidence that the association had, over an extended period, deliberately sought to influence officials. In South Korean public opinion, the revelations immediately sparked outrage and triggered a broad debate about the need for reform of the association.

Hong Myung-bo and the Role of the Association's Leadership

The role of Hong Myung-bo came under particular scrutiny, with his name appearing in the reports in connection with the association's leadership. Critics accuse the association's leadership of not merely tolerating indications of misconduct but actively covering them up. A statement from the KFA on the specific allegations is pending.

The case takes on particular gravity given the sporting significance of South Korean football. The South Korean national team most recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup after winning a decisive qualifying match convincingly.

Sport-Political Dimension and Old Scandals

The allegations also reopen old wounds: South Korea had won the decisive World Cup qualifying match in February 2012 against Kuwait 2-0, thereby qualifying for the World Cup on sporting merit. The achievement was accompanied by national euphoria at the time. In retrospect, however, the new revelations cast a different light on the documented successes of that time and the sporting circumstances surrounding them.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had already initiated a review of the KFA in 2016. At that time, initial indications of irregularities apparently came to light, without any public consequences following. The fact that the results of this review were withheld from the public is considered politically sensitive — particularly since the state, through the ministry, can exert direct influence over the association.

Calls for Accountability

The opposition in the South Korean parliament is now demanding a fresh, independent investigation. Sports associations and fans are calling for personnel consequences at the top of the KFA. JTBC announced that it would continue its research and publish further details. The Yonhap news agency also assessed the revelations as possible indications of a practice of match manipulation in South Korean football that has existed for years.