South Korea's former coach Hong Myung-bo faces parliamentary grilling over World Cup exit

At a hearing of the National Assembly's sports and culture committee, former South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo took responsibility for his side's early exit from the 2026 World Cup, which ended with a 1-0 loss to South Africa. He rejected claims that his 2024 appointment resulted from favoritism and said proper procedures were followed, while also disputing a reported 3.8 billion-won salary figure. President Lee Jae Myung criticized the broader leadership of the Korea Football Association, citing “incompetent people” and factionalism, though he did not single out Hong by name.

The former defender, who played in the 2002 tournament, faced boos from supporters at the airport after the defeat. The squad, once hailed as a “golden generation” with stars like Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in, failed to reach the knockout round of the 48-team tournament held across Mexico, the United States and Canada.