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Hong Myung-bo to Attend Parliamentary Hearing on Korean Soccer Issues

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Former South Korea men's national soccer team head coach Hong Myung-bo will attend a parliamentary hearing to take responsibility for the team's World Cup elimination.
  • Hong stated he alone bears responsibility as head coach and wants to explain the World Cup results to the public.
  • The hearing will also include former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu and other key figures, with testimony from players like Son Heung-min.

Hong Myung-bo, the former head coach of the South Korean men's national soccer team, has confirmed he will attend a parliamentary hearing to address issues within the Korea Football Association and take responsibility for the team's World Cup exit. Hong stated he alone bears the responsibility as head coach and views the hearing as an opportunity to explain the tournament's outcomes to the public.

The responsibility for the outcome [of Korea’s elimination from the World Cup] lies solely with me, the head coach. If a hearing is held, I alone will bear the responsibility that falls on me as head coach.

— Hong Myung-boConfirming his attendance at a parliamentary hearing.

The National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee has scheduled the hearing for July 22. Thirteen witnesses, including Hong and former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, are slated to appear. Additionally, ten individuals, such as Park Ji-sung and team captain Son Heung-min, will provide testimony.

I sincerely apologize to the Korean people who have loved and supported Korean soccer. I failed to live up to your expectations and support and ended up disappointing and hurting many of you.

— Hong Myung-boIn a statement titled 'A Message to the People'.

Hong issued a statement apologizing to the Korean people for failing to meet expectations and causing disappointment. He explained his recent absence from public comment was due to threats against him and his family, necessitating a focus on their safety after returning from the competition. He denied any intention to evade his duties or the public.

If a hearing is held, I will see it as an opportunity to explain the results of the World Cup to the public. If so, the one who should be there is me, the head coach.

— Hong Myung-boExplaining his reason for attending the hearing.

Hong resigned on June 29 after South Korea failed to advance in the FIFA World Cup. He decided to speak at the hearing after witnessing misinformation and speculation surrounding players and staff, feeling that remaining silent was no longer appropriate. He intends to present the facts as he knows them and answer all questions directly.

I will tell the people the facts as I know them and as exactly as they are, and will not dodge any question.

— Hong Myung-boPledging transparency at the hearing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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