As fierce criticism pours in from the domestic public against former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo, who voluntarily resigned following the team's elimination from the 2026 North and Central America World Cup group stage, unexpected sympathy is emerging from Japan, drawing attention.

Based on the J.League team where Hong once played, influential Japanese politicians, media, and the football community have been making successive statements in his defense.

Taro Kono, a prominent senior lawmaker who served as Japan's Foreign Minister and Defense Minister, posted on his social media yesterday (June 29), saying, "Stop harassing our senior and alumnus, Hong Myung-bo."

This statement stems from the connection that Kono is a former representative director of Shonan Bellmare, the J.League club where Hong played as an active player from 1997 to 1998.

It is interpreted that Kono expressed his regret over the current situation facing Hong, who was once a key player dedicated to the team.

The Japanese football community and netizens are also joining in on this sentiment.

Columnist Ichiro Enokido expressed his support, stating, "Myung-bo, I hope you come to Japan. J.League fans have not forgotten your fighting spirit," and some Japanese netizens also showed sympathetic reactions, such as suggesting he return to Japan.

Japanese media also paid attention to the fact that President Lee Jae-myung personally posted a message criticizing the Korea Football Association's process of appointing the head coach while reporting on South Korea's World Cup elimination.

Toru Tamakawa, a broadcaster who appeared on TV Asahi's "Hatori Shinichi Morning Show," raised questions, saying, "It is fine to express disappointment or regret, but I wonder if it is appropriate for a head of state and the highest-ranking official to make such remarks directly."

After the South Korean national football team failed to advance to the Round of 32, Hong held a press conference at the Guadalajara base camp in Mexico on the 28th and announced his intention to resign two years after taking office, stating, "I take full responsibility for the results."

Reported by Lee Hyun-young | Video by Choi Kang-san | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News