No questions asked, hands in pockets, and exiting... Hong Myung-bo's 'resignation press conference' also sparks controversy

*This content was translated by AI.

As Hong Myung-bo, manager of the South Korea national football team, decided to resign voluntarily taking responsibility for the team's failure to advance from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, another controversy has arisen over his attitude and manner at the press conference where he announced his resignation.

Earlier, on the 29th (Korea time), the day after South Korea's elimination from the group stage was confirmed, Manager Hong Myung-bo held a press conference at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Mexico, stating, "I intend to step down as manager of the South Korea national football team." His contract with the Korea Football Association was originally set to run until the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.

Manager Hong said, "The position of manager is one where no explanation is needed in the face of results. That is why I am here to speak of responsibility rather than explanation," and added, "I could not deliver the results that the people expected. The responsibility lies entirely with me, the manager. I am stepping down from the position of Oh Neul (CEO) team manager."

Manager Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after failing to advance from the group stage with one draw and two losses at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, bowed his head again to group stage elimination in his second World Cup challenge after 12 years. In particular, unlike previous tournaments, this edition featured 48 participating teams and a 32-team knockout stage, making the path to advance from the group stage wider, yet Hong's team failed to pass through this hurdle.

Shortly after South Korea's elimination from the group stage was confirmed, it was announced that Manager Hong Myung-bo would make a statement to local reporters, leading to speculation that he would indeed announce his resignation. In fact, Manager Hong Myung-bo personally announced his resignation, ending his nearly two-year tenure with the South Korea national football team. Even after returning to Korea early on the 30th, no separate interviews were planned for Manager Hong.

However, following Manager Hong Myung-bo's resignation press conference, further controversies have emerged. The one-sided announcement without even taking questions from reporters, his confident demeanor that seemed far from an apology, and even the sight of him walking out with his hands in his pockets after the announcement, all caused fans to frown.

In fact, on this day, Manager Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation by reading a prepared script in less than two minutes. After reading the script, he merely offered a brief thank-you to the local reporters. There was not even an opportunity for reporters to ask questions about the causes of failure in this tournament. After reading the prepared script and expressing gratitude to the World Cup media, Manager Hong immediately stood up and left the venue.

The sight of Manager Hong Myung-bo reading the script in a short time drew criticism that he appeared "confident" rather than showing regret or apology for the poor performance. Even worse, he was captured walking out of the press conference with his hand in his left pocket, placing him at the center of controversy. Manager Hong, who failed to receive applause and was shrouded in fairness controversies since his appointment, has now sparked yet another controversy even at the press conference where he announced his resignation.

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*This content was translated by AI.