Former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned following the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been confirmed to have arrived in Los Angeles.

Hong exited through the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LA International Airport on the afternoon of July 3.

Having stepped down in disgrace after delivering a performance that fell far short of public expectations, Hong did not appear in the general arrivals area, suggesting he used a separate exit.

While World Cup host cities often provide separate FIFA-designated passages, LA International Airport does not have such facilities, and only a VIP terminal exists.

The VIP terminal at LA Airport is a paid service available to anyone.

For a fee of up to 1,650 dollars, or approximately 2.54 million won, passengers can be transported directly from their aircraft to a vehicle and head straight to their home or hotel.

It is a service primarily used by celebrities looking to avoid paparazzi or wealthy individuals who prioritize their privacy.

It is reported that Hong headed to his home in Los Angeles, where his wife and children reside.

Originally, the South Korean national football team was scheduled to play its Round of 32 match against Canada in Los Angeles on June 28, provided they had secured at least a draw in their final group stage match against South Africa. However, after a 0-1 loss to South Africa, the team never set foot on U.S. soil and instead packed their bags in Mexico.

When meeting with reporters at the airport before his departure, the former coach said, "I have things to say, but they will come out eventually," remaining tight-lipped regarding various rumors surrounding the national team.

The government and the National Assembly have expressed bewilderment over Hong's sudden departure.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young previously announced plans to form an investigation committee including external experts to conduct a special audit into the causes of the World Cup failure and the incompetence of the Korea Football Association. The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is also pushing for a hearing regarding the association.

In this climate, some are pointing out that Hong's sudden departure for the United States is an inappropriate course of action.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News