SEOUL — Former South Korea football coach Hong Myung-bo appeared before the National Assembly's sports and culture committee on Thursday, July 30, 2026, taking "full responsibility" for the national team's failure to advance from their group at the 2026 World Cup. Hong resigned following the team's elimination but faced intense scrutiny during the parliamentary hearing probing the Korea Football Association's (KFA) management.

Hong, a former defender who played in the 2002 World Cup hosted by South Korea, has faced criticism from fans, pundits, and politicians after South Korea's shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa. The decision to bench veteran captain Son Heung-min in the crucial match, which South Korea only needed to draw to progress, sparked particular outrage.

President Lee Jae Myung attributed the failure to "incompetent people" in leadership positions, hinting at issues of "loyalty and factionalism" affecting recruitment at the sport's highest levels, though he did not name Hong directly.

During the hearing, Hong denied reports that he received a US$2.6 million salary, declining to disclose the actual figure. He was also questioned about allegations of preferential treatment in his 2024 appointment, with claims that KFA recruiters conducted unclear interviews in his neighborhood.

Hong stated, "I was the head coach, and that's a position that is ultimately judged by results," and reiterated, "Because our performance at this World Cup fell short, I take full responsibility for everything."

South Korean media had dubbed the 2026 squad a "golden generation," featuring stars such as former Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, and former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, raising expectations that were ultimately unmet.

Sources