South Korea's national football team coach Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation after the team failed to advance past the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his departure from the press conference with his hands in his pockets has sparked controversy over his apparent lack of remorse.

On June 29, at a press conference held at Chivas Green Valley in Zapopan, Mexico, Hong Myung-bo stated, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who loves Korean football and has always supported the national team. Starting today, I wish to resign from my position as head coach of South Korea's national team." After making his statement, he did not take questions from reporters and immediately stood up to leave. Video footage captured him walking out with his hands in his pockets, prompting public questions about the sincerity of his apology.

Following the release of the video, criticism flooded online communities and social media. One fan commented, "He simply read a prepared statement and then confidently walked out with his hands in his pockets. As a fan and citizen who had hoped for World Cup success, I'm genuinely furious." Another added, "In a situation like this where even the smallest gesture requires extreme care, he still displayed such an attitude. Doesn't that suggest he doesn't feel any remorse at all?" Some expressed, "I simply cannot understand Hong Myung-bo's mindset and actions." Others wrote, "The Korean team should also follow Uruguay's example, cancel the charter flight, and each return home individually."

That same day, sports commentator Park Jong-yoon noted on the social media program "E-STAR TV": "For Hong Myung-bo, this moment must be very shameful. He might be thinking, 'I clearly dedicated myself to Korean football, so why are people treating me like this?'"

Football commentator Ganster angrily stated, "After bringing the Korean team to this state, can he just act satisfied with himself as if nothing happened? He didn't even take questions and ultimately left with his hands in his pockets."

South Korea plans to return home quietly on June 30 through Incheon International Airport without holding a separate arrival ceremony. This marks the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup that South Korea's national team has returned from an away World Cup without an airport send-off event.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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