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Ex-Korea FA chief Chung Mong-joon, coach Hong Myung-bo apologize to nation over World Cup exit
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On July 30, former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-joon and 2026 World Cup head coach Hong Myung-bo attended a hearing of the South Korean National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. They apologized to the South Korean people and fans for the football association's mismanagement and the national team's group-stage elimination at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Chung Mong-joon expressed regret for failing to meet expectations and stated he would focus on business activities. Hong Myung-bo also apologized for the team's poor performance. The hearing was convened amid public criticism, following earlier harsh remarks by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who accused the football association of prioritizing factionalism over competence.
Source report
Hupu News | July 30th
According to a report by Kankan News Knews, former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national team for the 2026 World Cup, attended a hearing at the South Korean National Assembly on July 30th. During the hearing, they issued apologies to the South Korean people and fans for the mismanagement of the football association and the team's disappointing performance at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Hearing Details
Chung Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo appeared as witnesses before the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. The hearing was convened following South Korea's group-stage elimination from the World Cup, which drew widespread criticism from the public and fans. The committee sought to examine the overall management and operations of the Korea Football Association.
Statements from Witnesses
- Chung Mong-kyu expressed a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to meet the expectations of the people and fans, offering a sincere apology. He stated that, as a businessman, he would focus on business activities moving forward and contribute to social development.
- Hong Myung-bo apologized to the South Korean people for the team's failure to meet expectations in their World Cup performance.
Presidential Criticism
Earlier, following South Korea's complete elimination from the knockout stage, President Lee Jae-myung publicly criticized the team's organization and personnel decisions. He stated:
"Prioritizing factionalism over ability and placing incompetent people in command positions—what else can be expected?"
Source: WeChat Public Platform International Football News
Posted in: Shanghai Reads: 40
Source
虎扑 - 足球Regional
Part of this Story
South Korea Football Association Scandals and World Cup Failure Inquiry