"Hong Myung-bo Has No Intention to Return to Korea"... Foreign Media Reports Spark Controversy

Although South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, foreign media outlets continue to show interest in former national team head coach Hong Myung-bo.

Former coach Hong returned to Korea with the main national team squad on June 30, but sparked controversy by departing for Los Angeles, where his family resides, just two days later.

A Spanish media outlet reported on Hong's current status, stating, "Former coach Hong, who was suffering from public criticism, has left Korea."

The outlet further reported that before his departure, Hong expressed to an associate that he has no plans to return to Korea.

The report added, "Former coach Hong is also not considering attending a hearing," suggesting he does not plan to cooperate with a parliamentary investigation.

Before his departure, Hong himself avoided giving a direct answer when asked by a reporter whether he would attend a hearing, saying, "I don't know," and "I don't know what my return schedule will be."

Japan's Tokyo Sports also cited Korean media reports today (July 5), focusing on the background of his departure and the possibility of him skipping a hearing, noting that "Former coach Hong left Korea with a firm resolve."

In addition, media outlets in Central and South America, including those in Mexico and Argentina, have also been scrambling to report on Hong's situation.

These outlets reported that "verbal abuse and threats against former coach Hong have intensified," and that "he left the country wearing a hat and mask to avoid being noticed."

Meanwhile, the K-Football Innovation Committee, launched under the leadership of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young and former national team player Park Ji-sung, is scheduled to hold its first meeting tomorrow (July 6).

The Korea Football Association released an apology on its website on July 3 regarding the poor performance at the North America World Cup.

It is reported that on the same day, the National Team Committee held a meeting to discuss matters including the election for the vacant KFA presidency and the process for appointing a new head coach.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.