Former South Korean national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo released a statement from the U.S. apologizing for the team's World Cup group stage exit [1].

The statement comes as public scrutiny intensifies over the team's performance and Hong's decision to leave the country shortly after the tournament. His willingness to face a formal hearing marks a shift toward transparency following a period of silence.

Hong departed for the U.S. two days [1] after returning home from the World Cup. He remained silent for one week [1] after his departure before issuing the current statement. In the message, Hong addressed the criticism regarding his location, saying that his stay in the U.S. was not an attempt to avoid responsibility but a measure to ensure the safety of his family [1].

Despite the distance, Hong expressed a commitment to answer for the team's results. He said that if a hearing is held, he is the person who must stand there, and that he will not avoid any questions and will speak the truth as he knows it [1].

Earlier, regarding his public silence, Hong said, "I have things to say, and eventually, they will come out well" [1].

The former coach is now positioning himself for a direct confrontation with officials to clarify the facts surrounding the team's failure and his subsequent travel decisions [1].

“I have things to say, and eventually, they will come out well”

Hong Myung-bo's pledge to attend hearings while remaining in the U.S. attempts to balance personal security concerns with professional accountability. By committing to a formal inquiry, he seeks to mitigate accusations of fleeing the country to avoid the fallout of South Korea's disappointing World Cup performance.