Key facts
- A parliamentary hearing concerning the Korea Football Association is scheduled for July 22.
- Former national football coach Hong Myung-bo will attend the hearing.
- Hong has accepted responsibility for the team's performance in the FIFA World Cup.
- Hong resigned from his coaching position on June 28, following the team's group stage elimination.
- Hong stated his travel to Los Angeles was for family reasons, not to evade accountability.
Former South Korean men's national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has stated he will attend an upcoming parliamentary hearing concerning the Korea Football Association (KFA) on July 22. The hearing is being held amid controversy over the KFA's management and the national team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup.
Hong issued a statement through his foundation, HMB Foundation, hours after the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee scheduled the hearing. He expressed his intention to accept responsibility for the team's disappointing performance and will not evade questions. Hong resigned from his post on June 28, the day after South Korea was eliminated from the group stage.
He apologized for letting down fans and stated that as head coach, the responsibility for the outcome lies solely with him. Hong also addressed speculation that he traveled to Los Angeles to avoid criticism, explaining the trip was for family safety reasons. He felt compelled to speak out to defend his former players and staff against what he described as untrue stories spreading.
Hong is listed as one of 13 witnesses to be called, alongside former KFA President Chung Mong-gyu and several senior KFA officials.