'He was a 2002 hero...' Kang Bu-ja says public would have forgiven Hong Myung-bo if he had shed tears

Veteran actress Kang Bu-ja has voiced her disappointment and sadness regarding the demeanor of former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo upon his return to the country following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup group stage. Kang, known for her deep passion for football spanning over five decades, shared her feelings on a YouTube channel.

Reflecting on the scenes of Hong's arrival, Kang expressed that she felt a sense of pity. She suggested that if Hong had shown even a display of tears, the public might have been more forgiving of the team's performance and the subsequent early exit from the tournament.

Kang's comments highlight a sentiment among some fans who expected a more visible emotional response from the coach after the disappointing World Cup campaign. The actress's remarks underscore the high expectations and emotional investment fans have in the national football team, particularly after a significant event like the World Cup.