Ex-Coach Hong Myung-bo Tells Critics: 'Come In and Change It Yourself'

Former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo urged critics to actively engage in improving the Korean Football Association's administration rather than offering only external criticism. Testifying as a witness at a parliamentary hearing on July 30, Hong addressed controversies surrounding the national team coach selection process and the team's failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

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I don't believe it can be changed by any single person doing a good job. It's a structure that won't change easily unless all football figures unite their efforts.

The 12-hour hearing saw lawmakers intensely question Hong about accountability for the team's performance and the association's perceived closed-off administrative practices. Recent criticism from former players like Kim Young-gwang and Lee Chun-soo, who have voiced their concerns on personal YouTube channels, was also a focus.

Responding to a question about how the association's organizational culture could change, Hong stated, "I don't believe it can be changed by any single person doing a good job." He stressed that the structure is unlikely to change easily unless all football figures unite their efforts. He specifically called on former players who are vocal critics to "come into the field and make efforts to change it themselves."

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If you know the problem, come into the field and create a structure where you can change it yourself.

Hong also shared his past experience as the association's executive director, noting that while external commentary is valuable, understanding the internal realities and difficulties is crucial for driving meaningful change. He suggested that those involved in administration would naturally take on more responsibility and be better positioned to implement improvements.

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While playing a good role from the outside, speaking out, and offering critical opinions are good, realizing how difficult the reality is inside, and then taking responsibility, will lead to more changes.