Hong Myung-bo announces his resignation as head coach of the Korean men’s national soccer team at a press conference held on June 29, 2026, at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility in Zapopan, Mexico. (Yonhap)
Former South Korea men's national soccer team head coach Hong Myung-bo pledged to “bear responsibility” as he confirmed Wednesday that he would attend a parliamentary hearing on issues in the management of the Korea Football Association. “The responsibility for the outcome [of Korea’s elimination from the World Cup] lies solely with me, the head coach. If a hearing is held, I alone will bear the responsibility that falls on me as head coach,” he said, expressing his intent to attend the July 22 hearing by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.Hong on Thursday issued a statement titled “A Message to the People.”“I sincerely apologize to the Korean people who have loved and supported Korean soccer. I failed to live up to your expectations and support and ended up disappointing and hurting many of you,” he wrote. “If a hearing is held, I will see it as an opportunity to explain the results of the World Cup to the public,” he added. “If so, the one who should be there is me, the head coach.” That morning, the committee passed a motion to hold a hearing on issues at the Korea Football Association (KFA) and set the date for July 22 at 10 am. Thirteen people, including Hong and former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, were named witnesses, with 10 others, including Park Ji-sung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, and team captain Son Heung-min, to provide testimony.“I will tell the people the facts as I know them and as exactly as they are, and will not dodge any question,” Hong said.On why he issued his statement, he said, “Over time, false information was reported as fact and unconfirmed stories were added to the mix. After seeing players and staff who dedicated themselves to the national team get caught up in misunderstanding and speculation in the process, I began to wonder if remaining silent was truly the right thing to do.”Hong on June 29 announced his resignation at the team’s training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, taking responsibility for Korea’s failure to advance in the FIFA World Cup. He has since refrained from commenting on the tournament and flew to Los Angeles two days after returning to Korea following the competition.“I did not choose to stay in the US to ignore or avoid the consequences. At the time, threats were directed at me and my family, and concerns arose over our personal safety, and as head of my household, I had to protect my family,” Hong said. “I categorically deny the notion that I turned a blind eye to my duties as head coach or tried to avoid the public.”By Nam Ji-eun, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
