Former Korea men's national soccer team head coach Hong Myung-bo suddenly departed for the United States on the 2nd. It came two days after returning to Korea following elimination in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
According to MBC, the former coach left for Los Angeles (LA), United States, via Incheon Airport that day. His wife and sons are said to be staying in LA.
Departing the country, the former coach told reporters, "I have something to say, and someday it will come out well."
He also denied speculation about locker-room infighting and discipline violations, which have been cited as causes of the group-stage exit.
Amid the poor results of the Korea team, criticism of the former coach continues. A civic group filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency accusing the former coach, Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu, and former association technical director Lee Im-seng of coercion, intimidation, obstruction of business, and breach of trust in the course of duty.
In addition, the National Assembly's Culture. Sports. and Tourism Committee is reportedly set to push for a hearing regarding the Korea team's poor World Cup performance. The plan is to call President Chung and the former coach as witnesses to examine whether there were any problems across the association's operations.