Hong Myung-bo: "I Will Attend the Hearing… I Went to the U.S. to Protect My Family"

▲ Hong Myung-bo

Former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has once again apologized for the team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and announced that he will attend the parliamentary hearing.

In a statement titled "A Message to the People" released today (July 9), Hong said, "I sincerely apologize to all the people who love and support South Korean football," adding, "I failed to live up to your expectations and support, and I have caused disappointment and pain to many."

He continued, "If a hearing is held, I believe it is a place to explain the World Cup results to the public. If so, the person who should stand there is me, the head coach," expressing his intention to attend.

Earlier today, the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee passed a motion to hold a hearing regarding issues related to the Korea Football Association on July 22, and designated Hong as a witness.

Hong stated, "The responsibility for the results lies solely with me as the head coach," adding, "Therefore, if a hearing is held, I will bear the responsibility that I must shoulder as the head coach alone until the end."

He also said, "I will tell the truth as I know it before the public, and I will not avoid any questions."

On June 29, the day after the team's elimination from the World Cup group stage, Hong announced his resignation along with an apology while in Mexico.

He did not take questions and remained silent afterward.

Controversy arose after Hong left for Los Angeles, U.S., just two days after returning to Korea following the team's elimination, leading to accusations that he was trying to evade the situation.

Explaining the background of his statement, Hong said, "As time passed, things that were not true were presented as facts, and unverified stories were added. Seeing the players and staff who dedicated themselves to the national team being subjected to misunderstandings and speculation made me reconsider whether staying silent was the right thing to do."

Regarding the controversy over his departure, he explained, "My stay in the U.S. was not a choice to ignore or avoid the results," adding, "It was because there were threats against me and my family at the time, and as the head of a household, I had to protect my family."

He emphasized, "For no reason did I intend to neglect my duties as head coach or avoid the public."

Hong concluded, "I once again sincerely apologize for causing disappointment to the public," and added, "I will take every piece of criticism and rebuke you have sent me to heart."

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