Seoul police searched and seized materials at the Korean Football Association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Hong took charge of the national team for a second time in 2024, but his selection had faced questions from the outset.

The association reportedly halted a lengthy search for a foreign coach and appointed Hong after a short meeting. A later Sports Ministry investigation found that the KFA had broken appointment rules, although the ministry did not order Hong’s contract cancelled because it found no evidence of a criminal offence.

South Korea, described as having a golden generation including Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in, exited the World Cup in the group stage after a 1-0 loss to South Africa under Hong. His decision to leave Son on the bench in the first half of that match drew controversy. Hong resigned in June after the World Cup, while a July parliamentary hearing also raised questions about his reported salary of 38 billion won, a figure he disputed.