KFA apologised for controversies, including payments for sexual favours to foreign referees. The scandal surfaced after a 2016 ministry report released by JTBC. Payments of 5.6m won (£2,927) were used for massage parlours for referees during the early 2010s.

The referees officiated qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. KFA staff misreported expenses as food and drinks, claiming it was common practice then.

The association issued a statement apologising for disappointment, citing poor performance at the 2026 World Cup and older media reports. It emphasised no such conduct occurs now. Both manager Hong Myung-bo and president Chung Mong‑gyu resigned earlier this summer after public anger.

Police raided KFA headquarters investigating alleged obstruction of business regarding Hong's 2024 return and possibly linking to sexual favours. The head coach post remains vacant; former captain Park Ji‑sung announced elections before year‑end, proposing an expanded electorate.