Ex-South Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Apologizes for World Cup Exit, Cites Family Threats for U.S. Trip

Former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo has issued a public apology following the team's elimination from the 2026 North, Central America, and Caribbean World Cup qualifiers. In a statement titled "A Message to the People," Hong took full responsibility for the disappointing results, acknowledging that he failed to meet expectations and caused disappointment.

“

All responsibility for the results lies with me, the coach.

Hong explained his silence until now by stating he believed the World Cup outcome was his burden to bear as coach. However, he decided to speak out as unverified rumors began to spread, causing misunderstanding and speculation among players and staff.

Addressing his swift departure to the United States just two days after returning to South Korea, Hong clarified that it was not an attempt to evade responsibility. He revealed that he and his family had received threats, and he felt compelled to protect them as a head of household. This personal safety concern was the primary reason for his immediate travel abroad.

“

At the time, there were threats against me and my family, and concerns for our personal safety, and as the head of a household, I had to protect my family.

Furthermore, Hong expressed his readiness to appear before a parliamentary hearing. He asserted that as the coach, he is the one who should explain the World Cup results to the public. He pledged to share the facts as he knows them and to answer any questions without evasion, reiterating his deep apology for letting the nation down.

“

If a parliamentary hearing is to be held to explain the World Cup results to the public, then I am the one who should stand there.