According to reports by South Korean media including the JoongAng Daily on July 3, former South Korean men's national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo suddenly traveled to the US just days after returning to South Korea. Spain's Marca commented that Hong, wearing a hat and mask, "fled" his home country due to death threats he received in South Korea.
Reports said the South Korean national team failed to advance past the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, and head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned taking responsibility. He returned to South Korea on June 30, but just two days later, he quickly flew back to the US. The JoongAng Daily reported that he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on July 2 local time. South Korean media Asia Economy reported that Hong may have used a VIP channel to avoid media interviews when leaving Los Angeles Airport.
According to reports, before departing, Hong Myung-bo, wearing a hat and mask, told reporters at Incheon International Airport: "I have things to say, but I believe things will eventually come to light." He also said, "I can't confirm when I will return to South Korea."
MBC added that when asked about rumors of internal conflict within the team leading to his dismissal, Hong denied those claims, saying, "There was no internal conflict in the entire team."
After the South Korean national team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation on June 28. But this did not quell the criticism, with many fans claiming his appointment was flawed. According to media reports, controversy has persisted in South Korea since the Korea Football Association reappointed Hong as head coach in July 2024. The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee even summoned football association officials and Hong himself to attend hearings, questioning the fairness and transparency of the coaching selection process.
A death threat against Hong Myung-bo also appeared on a South Korean online community on June 28. The poster, claiming to be a 41-year-old US citizen, said they would commit a crime at Incheon Airport when Hong returned on June 30. Police believe the post may constitute a criminal threat and are tracing the poster's identity. The post has since been deleted. In addition, a large number of fans claimed on social media that they would throw eggs at Hong at the airport.
(Source: Global Times)
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