Japan's Moriyasu Defends Ex-South Korea Coach Hong: 'He Did His Best'

Hajime Moriyasu, the head coach of Japan's national football team, has offered words of support for Hong Myung-bo, the recently resigned coach of the South Korean national team. Hong stepped down after South Korea failed to advance past the group stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing third in their group with one win and two losses.

“

I don't know the specifics of the situation in Korea, so I don't have much to say from my perspective.

Moriyasu, whose Japanese team advanced to the knockout stage, stated at a press conference in Tokyo that while he is not fully aware of the details surrounding South Korea's performance, he believes Hong gave his utmost effort. "He fought with all his might for Korean football," Moriyasu said, emphasizing that he does not view Hong's efforts as "the worst in history," as some South Korean media have suggested.

“

I don't think it's the worst in history, as reported in Korea. He fought with all his might for Korean football.

Speaking as both a rival and a friend, Moriyasu acknowledged that results can be judged harshly in hindsight. However, he stressed that this does not negate all the work done previously. He concluded by expressing a wish that South Korean media would also highlight the positive aspects of Hong Myung-bo's time as coach.

“

Coach Hong Myung-bo also made his best effort. It's a matter of results, so I don't think everything done so far was wrong.

Moriyasu and Hong have a history of interaction, including a joint interview last year discussing the development of football in their respective countries. They also faced each other in the East Asian Cup, where Japan defeated South Korea 1-0.

“

I hope that in Korea, you will also report on many of the good things.