Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, dismissed the player-selection controversy that erupted after the team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, calling it "merely a matter of hindsight."
According to a Channel A report Tuesday, Hong made the remarks when he met with reporters on June 1, the day after his return home.
Hong, who had left the arrival hall without an interview on the day of his return, was asked about how the starting lineup was decided. "Before the match, we clarify the tactical model we need to deploy and make decisions through a full meeting with the coaching staff," he explained.
Earlier, the South Korean team could have advanced to the round of 32 with just a draw in its final group-stage match against South Africa, but lost 0-1. At the time, captain Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung were left out of the starting lineup, sparking controversy. Son, brought on as a substitute in the second half, failed to record an attacking point, while Lee did not play.
Regarding criticism of his player selection, Hong said, "Because I put the players out on the field, it is right for the coach to take responsibility for the outcome as well," while also defending it as a tactical choice.
"No one can determine from the outset whether tactics will succeed. In the first match against the Czech Republic, who would have known that Oh Hyeon-gyu, brought on in place of Son Heung-min, would score the winning goal?" he said. "We attempted the same substitution against Mexico, but that time no goal came. Implementing tactics on the pitch is the coach's role, and if the results are poor, one becomes a bad coach," he added.
South Korea finished third in Group A and failed to make the top eight among the third-placed teams, resulting in its final elimination. On May 30, at the scene of his return, some football fans jeered at Hong. On this, Hong responded, "There is nothing to feel wronged about. It is regrettable that we did not achieve good results relative to the preparation process, but it is right for the coach to take responsibility for the outcome."
Immediately after South Korea's group-stage elimination was confirmed, Hong announced his intention to resign through a statement at the team's base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico. On why he did not take questions, he said, "I already gave my overall assessment of the tournament after the South Africa match, and it was agreed in advance not to take questions at the resignation briefing." He added, "I judged there was nothing more to explain beyond the statement I wrote myself, staying up all night."
Channel A added that the interview lasted about four minutes and that additional questions, such as those about conflicts within the squad, were not taken.
