Chung Mong-gyu Apologizes for Poor World Cup Results, Hong Myung-bo Says He Will Not Avoid Responsibility

Former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and former national football team manager Hong Myung-bo attended a hearing held by the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee as witnesses and bowed their heads to the public and football fans.

During his opening remarks at the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing today (the 30th), former President Chung said, "During my term in office, I did my utmost for the development of Korean football, but I feel sorry for the series of controversies and the lackluster results at the North and Central America World Cup."

This hearing was arranged to inspect the overall management of the Korea Football Association as public anger surged following the South Korean national football team's poor performance and elimination from the group stage at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

He added, "As the president of the Football Association, I deeply feel my responsibility and feel apologetic for failing to meet the expectations of the public and football fans. After stepping down as the head of the Football Association, I will focus hard on management as a businessman and contribute to society in the future."

Former Manager Hong also attended the hearing as a witness, stating, "First of all, I would like to apologize to the public for failing to live up to the public's expectations at the North and Central America World Cup."

Former Manager Hong said, "I am taking the responsibility heavily for not rewarding the expectations that have been sent to the national team so far. Today, I will state the facts I know and the responsibilities I must bear as they are, without running away."

He added, "I want to express my apology and gratitude as a manager to the players who ran to the end despite difficult circumstances. I take it heavily that I could not reward them with the results of the players' efforts. I will take the meaning of this place heavily. I will listen well to the questions and answer them sincerely."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.