It has been confirmed that former national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after taking responsibility for the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, arrived in Los Angeles, United States, on July 2 (local time).

According to an aviation industry source, Hong exited the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LA Airport on the afternoon of July 2.

Having stepped down in disgrace following a poor performance that fell far short of public expectations, Hong did not appear in the general arrivals area of the airport, suggesting he used a separate exit such as a VIP passage.

The VIP passage at LA Airport is available for anyone to use for a fee and is primarily used by celebrities or wealthy individuals who value their privacy.

Hong's departure comes as Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young announced plans to form a committee to investigate the causes and processes behind the team's elimination from the World Cup group stage, leading to criticism that his travel could be controversial.

(Photo: Yonhap News)