South Korea's Ex-Coach Hong Grilled by MPs Over World Cup Flop, Accepts Responsibility

Former South Korea football coach Hong Myung-bo appeared before parliamentary lawmakers on Thursday, accepting "full responsibility" for the national team's disappointing performance and failure to advance from the group stage at the World Cup. Hong resigned following the team's elimination but was summoned to a hearing by the parliament's sports and culture committee, which is investigating the actions of the Korea Football Association (KFA).

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I took full responsibility

Hong, a celebrated former South Korea defender, has faced widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and politicians since the team's shocking 1-0 defeat to South Africa sealed their exit. He was notably jeered by fans upon his return for a decision to bench veteran captain Son Heung-min for the crucial match, a game South Korea only needed to draw to qualify for the knockout stages. President Lee Jae Myung had previously blamed the failure on "incompetent people" promoted to leadership positions, alluding to issues of "loyalty and factionalism" within the KFA's recruitment processes.

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I was the head coach, and that's a position that is ultimately judged by results. Because our performance at this World Cup fell short, I take full responsibility for everything.

The 57-year-old coach was also questioned about allegations surrounding his 2024 appointment, including claims that KFA recruiters had conducted interviews in his neighborhood, suggesting preferential treatment. Hong denied these claims, stating that "proper procedures had been followed" and that he had not sought "any special favors or benefits." MPs also raised questions about his reported salary of 3.8 billion won (US$2.6 million), which was described as being at the high end for national coaches. Hong disputed the figure but declined to reveal the correct amount.

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I believe the proper procedures had been followed

Reflecting on the team's performance at the 48-team tournament held across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, Hong apologized for failing to reach the last 32. "I was the head coach, and that's a position that is ultimately judged by results," he stated. "Because our performance at this World Cup fell short, I take full responsibility for everything." The South Korean squad, touted as a "golden generation" and featuring stars like Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in, had carried high expectations.

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incompetent people