The Korea Football Association issued an apology over various misconduct and controversies, including improper interference in appointing the national team head coach and sexual entertainment provided to foreign referees.
On the 8th, the association issued a statement saying, "We are very sorry for causing great disappointment and concern over the various noises surrounding the association after the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup."
The association said, "From the National Assembly hearing to the unprecedented search and seizure, and even reports about incidents from more than a decade ago that many internal members themselves were not fully aware of, we deeply apologize for causing concern over various matters related to the association," adding, "However, we make it clear that such inappropriate acts or card use are absolutely not occurring at present."
The apology appears to have come amid growing controversy over sexual entertainment provided to foreign referees and other issues surrounding the association. According to lawmaker Jin Sun-mi's office, the association provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees who took part in seven matches, including World Cup and Olympic qualifiers and friendlies, from 2011 to 2012. In those matches, the Korea national team recorded five wins and two draws, without a single loss.
The association said, "We earnestly hope that the valuable achievements and efforts of our national team players, who have represented Korean soccer wearing the Taegeuk mark, will not be misunderstood or diminished because of this incident," adding, "All members will take to heart the all-around external criticism and rebukes and use this as an opportunity for thorough reform."
It continued, "For a better future of Korean soccer, we will continue deep self-reflection along with intensive efforts," adding, "We will also further enhance the transparency and morality of our organizational culture in line with higher external standards and expectations."
Regarding the Asian Games to be held in Japan this year, it promised thorough preparation.
The association said, "Including preparations for the Asian Games, the A-match schedule in the second half, and the Asian Cup, we will also do our best to swiftly implement policy tasks such as expanding the electorate for the presidential election," adding, "We apologize for causing deep disappointment and shock to all soccer fans and members of the global soccer community."