"Even after Hong Myung-bo's resignation, signs of 'Korean anger' subsiding are not visible," Japanese media highlight

*This content was translated by AI.

When Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, announced his intention to resign taking responsibility for failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, Japanese media outlets all reported on the matter.

On the 29th, The World reported, "Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation just one day after it was confirmed that South Korea had been eliminated from the World Cup group stage," adding, "Although he issued a public apology regarding the results of this World Cup, there are no signs that the anger of Korean football fans is subsiding."

The outlet added, "Before the tournament, there was optimism in South Korea about advancing through the group stage, and the national team, led by Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), was widely regarded as the strongest squad in the nation's history. However, the unexpected result of elimination led to a barrage of harsh criticism from Korean media and football fans."

Sports Hochi reported, "Hong Myung-bo resigned, stating, 'I take full responsibility.' Coach Hong was a player who participated in the World Cup four times during his playing career and also played in the J-League. As a coach, he resigned after the 2014 Brazil World Cup group stage elimination, returned to the position in 2024, but has now resigned again."

Nikkan Sports also reported, "Coach Hong Myung-bo, who led South Korea to its first-ever Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, resigned after the 2014 Brazil World Cup group stage elimination but returned to lead the national team for the first time in 10 years on the 10th, 2024. In this tournament, where he took command for the second World Cup, South Korea was eliminated again from Group A, which was expected to advance, leading to his resignation."

Tokyo Sports, which reported on domestic criticism regarding Hong's decision to announce his departure solely through a statement without holding a separate press conference, stated, "In South Korea, not only is there strong criticism directed at Coach Hong Myung-bo, but there is also a strong call for accountability from the Korea Football Association. There is growing interest in whether South Korean football can rise again from this failure."

Earlier, Hong Myung-bo held a press conference at Chivas Verde Valle, the base camp of the Wi Chi-han (CEO) team in Guadalajara, Sapoapan, Mexico, and officially announced his resignation as the national team head coach. His original contract was set to last until the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.

Hong Myung-bo said, "I sincerely apologize to all the citizens who have loved South Korean football and have always supported the national team. Today, I wish to step down from my position as head coach of the South Korean national football team."

He continued, "Taking on the role of national team head coach was by no means an easy decision. However, from the moment I decided to take the position, I did not consider any other reasons. I believed that fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me until the end was the only thing I had to do."

Coach Hong emphasized, "For the past two years, I have constantly asked myself the same question: Is this choice made for the sake of South Korean football? Whether making important decisions for the national team, selecting players, preparing for training, or playing matches, I never let go of that question. I cannot say that all my judgments were always correct. However, my standard for every judgment has always been South Korean football."

Hong Myung-bo stated, "I believe the position of head coach is one where no explanation can be made in the face of results. That is why I stood here today to speak of responsibility rather than explanation. I could not deliver the results that the citizens expected. That responsibility lies entirely with me, the head coach. I am stepping down from the position of Oh Neul (CEO) team head coach. However, I have not let go of my heart for South Korean football. I sincerely hope that the Woo Ri (CEO) team will grow into a team that can regain the trust and love of the citizens."

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*This content was translated by AI.