*This content was translated by AI.
Ha Seok-ju (58), Ajou University coach, strongly criticized the actions of his 'junior,' former South Korea national team head coach Hong Myung-ju (57).
Coach Ha appeared on MBC's '100-Minute Debate' broadcast on the 21st and expressed his stance on the recent controversies in the football world.
Previously, the South Korea national team suffered a painful elimination from the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and former coach Hong drew controversy by remaining silent to reporters' questions upon his return despite numerous fan protests.
On this day, Coach Ha expressed deep responsibility as a football figure amid public criticism of the football community. He stated, "I really wonder why the Korea Football Association acted this way this time. Because of this, all of us in Korean football are being cursed at. I am truly sorry to everyone here and so ashamed that I cannot even lift my head."
Regarding the so-called 'Korea University cartel' controversy, he acknowledged the current cold situation by saying, "If you watch too much YouTube and hear stories like 'Korea University cartel' often enough, it will inevitably seem like that is what is happening."
Especially regarding Hong's attitude immediately after his return, he expressed blunt disappointment. Coach Ha said, "Although Hong Myung-bo is my junior, honestly, his interview process and various actions were so wrong that as a senior, I wanted to give him a good slap."
He added, "Given the immense interest from our citizens, I often wondered if there wasn't someone who could handle interviews better. It is easy for a person to be buried in disgrace."
Coach Ha emphasized the importance of sincere apology by referencing his own red card experience during the 1998 France World Cup. He said, "Even though I was sent off then and even thought 'I will die when I return home,' I always apologized to coach Cha Bum-kun and the public at that time. If I had knelt down upon returning and truly made a full apology like that, this incident would not have happened."
Finally, Coach Ha urged, "Since this has already happened anyway, please forgive me (and Hong Myung-bo), and let us talk more about moving forward in a positive direction."
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*This content was translated by AI.
