Former South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo appeared before a parliamentary committee investigating the national team’s disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accepting full responsibility for the country’s group-stage elimination.
Hong resigned following South Korea’s early exit, but lawmakers have since launched hearings to examine both the team’s performance and the decision-making processes within the Korea Football Association.
Full Responsibility for the Result
During the hearing, Hong stated that a coach is ultimately judged by results and acknowledged that the team’s World Cup campaign fell short of expectations.
South Korea was eliminated after a surprise defeat to South Africa in its final group-stage match, despite needing only a draw to advance to the Round of 32.
Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny
Hong faced widespread criticism over his decision to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench for the decisive match, a move that drew backlash from fans and football analysts following the team’s elimination.
Lawmakers also questioned reports surrounding his appointment as national team coach in 2024, including allegations that the hiring process lacked transparency. Hong denied receiving any special treatment and maintained that proper procedures had been followed.
Broader Review of Football Governance
The parliamentary hearing also focused on the governance of the Korea Football Association, amid growing public criticism of the federation after a tournament in which expectations had been exceptionally high.
With a squad widely regarded as one of South Korea’s strongest generations, the early World Cup exit has triggered broader calls for accountability and institutional reform within the country’s football leadership.
