Ex-Korea FA chief Chung Mong-joon, coach Hong Myung-bo apologize to nation over World Cup exit

Published Jul 30, 08:52 AM UTC

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.