'3.8 billion won salary' former coach Hong Myung-bo: "Absolutely not, it's far less... cannot be disclosed"

*This content was translated by AI.

Regarding foreign media estimates that former South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-bo's annual salary reached 2.16 million euros (approximately 3.8 billion won), former coach Hong stated, "Absolutely not. It is far less than that."

During the Korean Football Association hearing held at the National Assembly on the 30th, when asked about the matter, Coach Hong said, "There is a clause in the contract agreeing not to disclose details mutually, so I cannot specify the exact amount," while adding, "It is not 3.8 billion won."

Coach Hong responded, "There are legal provisions regarding disclosure of contract terms. The amount was decided through mutual agreement," and added, "I feel sorry that this aspect may be viewed negatively."

Following up, Coach Hong said, "The salary was determined through mutual negotiation. I never requested a higher amount," and stated, "I accepted the amount proposed by the Korean Football Association."

Previously, rumors about former coach Hong Myung-bo's annual salary sparked controversy immediately after Salary Leak released estimates of coaches' salaries for teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the North America, Central America, and Caribbean tournament. At that time, Coach Hong's salary was estimated at 2.16 million euros, ranking 16th among all 48 coaches.

During the briefing on the appointment of Coach Hong Myung-bo, then-Technical Director Lee Im-saeng stated, "We demanded equal treatment without hesitation regarding salary differences as well. Although I cannot disclose the exact amount, I believe Korean coaches should now be treated no less than foreign coaches." Director Lee did not attend the hearing on this day.

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*This content was translated by AI.