Ex-coach Hong Myung-bo to attend parliamentary hearing on World Cup performance

Former South Korea national football team coach Hong Myung-bo has confirmed his attendance at a parliamentary hearing scheduled for May 22. The hearing, organized by the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, will address issues surrounding the Korea Football Association.

“

If a hearing is held, that place is for me, the coach, to explain to the public about the World Cup results.

Hong, who resigned after the team's World Cup exit, issued a statement apologizing to the public for failing to meet expectations. He asserted that as the head coach, he alone must bear responsibility for the team's performance and will explain the situation to the nation at the hearing. "If a hearing is held, I believe that place is for me, the coach, to explain to the public about the World Cup results," Hong stated.

The committee has summoned 13 witnesses, including Hong and former Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu, and 10 individuals as references, such as Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min. Hong vowed to speak truthfully and avoid no questions, aiming to counter misinformation that has spread since the team's return.

“

I will speak truthfully about what I know in front of the public and will not avoid any questions.

Regarding his recent trip to the United States, Hong clarified it was not an attempt to evade responsibility. He cited threats against him and his family, and concerns for their safety as the reasons for his departure. "My stay in the United States was not a choice to ignore or avoid the results," Hong explained. "At the time, there were threats against me and my family and concerns for personal safety, and as the head of a household, I had to protect my family."

“

My stay in the United States was not a choice to ignore or avoid the results. At the time, there were threats against me and my family and concerns for personal safety, and as the head of a household, I had to protect my family.