Former National Team Coach Hong Myung-bo Issues Statement, Explains Departure to LA

Former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has released a new statement, approximately ten days after his resignation.

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 that is the place to explain the World Cup results to the public. If that is the case, the person who should stand there is me, the coach," expressing his intention to attend the hearing.

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

On June 29, the day after the team was eliminated in the World Cup group stage, Hong announced his apology and resignation while in Mexico.

He did not hold a Q&A session and remained silent afterward.

After returning to Korea, he departed for Los Angeles, USA, two days later, which sparked controversy over a "fleeing" narrative.

Explaining the background of his statement, Hong said, "As time passed, things that were not true were reported as if they were facts, and unverified stories were added," and "Seeing the players and staff who dedicated themselves to the national team being placed in a position of misunderstanding and speculation, I reconsidered whether remaining silent was truly the right thing to do."

Regarding the controversy over his departure, he clarified, "Staying in the United States was not a choice to ignore or avoid the results," adding, "At the time, there were threats directed at me and my family, as well as concerns for our personal safety, and as the head of a household, I had to protect my family."

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee has decided to hold a hearing on pending issues related to the Korea Football Association on July 22 and has selected Hong as a witness.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Jang Yu-jin | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.