Following the shocking group stage elimination at the 2026 North American World Cup, former national team coach Hong Myung-bo delivered strong criticism to football celebrities at a National Assembly hearing discussing the crisis in Korean football, saying "don't just offer criticism from the outside, come into the field and make changes through your own direct efforts."
The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a hearing on July 30, 2026 regarding pending issues of the Korea Football Association. Former coach Hong Myung-bo attended as a witness and answered lawmakers' questions over approximately 12 hours (including recesses). The main agenda items included responsibility for the 2026 North American World Cup group stage elimination, controversies over unfairness in the selection process for the national team coach, and criticism of cartelism within the Korea Football Association—chronic problems in Korean football.
Former coach Hong emphasized that the efforts of all football figures are necessary for fundamental change in Korean football. He stressed, "I don't think one person doing well is enough. All football people need to work together and pool their strength to make changes." In particular, he emphasized the importance of bringing in the next generation to the field, saying "I hope young people come in and improve the difficult aspects" and "they can make more changes with a sense of responsibility," encouraging active participation from young football professionals.
He clearly acknowledged his responsibility as a coach for the group stage elimination at the World Cup. In statements to reporters immediately after the hearing, he said "the results were not good, so I must take responsibility as a coach. I will take responsibility," revealing his heavy heart. Regarding personal suspicions raised during the hearing process—such as 'bakery interview,' 'high salary,' and 'hiring cronies'—he flatly denied them, saying "they are not true."