Park Moon-sung: "World Cup Round of 32? Hong Myung-bo won't be replaced... I hope the players' hearts aren't hurt" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Commentator Park Moon-sung offered words of encouragement to the players following South Korea's defeat against South Africa in the World Cup.

In a video titled "How Will You Take Responsibility? [6 PM In-Country Football]" released on the 25th via the YouTube channel 'Dalsu-ne Live', Park said, "If we make it to the Round of 32, I was asked what parts I really hope we examined carefully. I wanted to say that if we only talk about good things, we should analyze the tactics of the team we'll meet in the Round of 32, devise good tactics, and fight well. But I know that won't happen, and I know things won't change, so I won't talk about tactics anymore."

He continued, "Our players are likely suffering the biggest psychological blow of anyone. They are being hit by the shock of their mental state collapsing. The game was a mess, the result didn't go our way, and public opinion has turned against us. Lee Kang-in was seen hitting the ground and crying after the match, Kim Min-jae was angry as he was substituted off, and Son Heung-min stood stunned, looking up at the sky. I hope our players' bodies and minds aren't hurt, and that they recover quickly to fight in the Round of 32. That is all I hope for."

Earlier, on the 25th, Park conducted a live commentary of the match against South Africa via the YouTube channel 'Dalsu-ne Live' and expressed anger immediately after the final whistle.

Park said, "I have worked in the football world since 1999. It's now my 27th year. I have spent half my life with football," as he shed tears. He added, "With such good players gathered, I saw not a single idea when attacking. When someone gets the ball, there is no agreed-upon movement for the other players. There are no agreements, no patterns, no tactics; they just stand there."

Park continued, "This is unquestionably Coach Hong Myung-bo's responsibility. This is not just about one game. What exactly was the tactic shown by the Woo Ri (CEO) team during the three group stage matches? If it's not the coach's responsibility, who should be held accountable?" He stated, "Without tactics and agreed-upon movements, the players don't know what to do. Today's football fans know what kind of football is good football. There was not a single instance of good football in these three games. What is the reason for keeping good players and only defending? It is proof that preparations were not made properly."

Park said, "I don't know if this is a World Cup qualifier or a friendly match. Why experiment on such an important stage?" He added, "Hwang Hee-chan's condition was not good throughout this season, and the same was true for the national team. Yet he was started, and then substituted off immediately after the first half ended. That is making a fool of the player."

Later, immediately after the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup Group A match between South Korea and South Africa on the 25th, Park criticized, "How did you make the team like this?" He said, "It is an asymmetry of responsibility. Those who hold great power and benefits bear little responsibility for poor results. How exactly do you intend to take responsibility?"

Hong Myung-bo's team lost 0-1 to South Africa at the stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on this day.

As a result, South Korea finished with one win and two losses (3 points), placing third in the group behind Mexico (9 points) and South Africa (4 points).

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*This content was translated by AI.