Hong Myung-bo flew out of the country and left a cryptic message after resigning as South Korea's national football team coach following the team's first-round exit at the 2026 World Cup.
On 3 July 2026, Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of South Korea's national team, was spotted departing Incheon Airport for the United States just two days after returning from the 2026 World Cup. South Korea's team underperformed and exited in the first round, after which Hong announced his resignation amid heavy criticism from fans and domestic media.
Meanwhile, South Korea's National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Commission is set to proceed with an inquiry into the management of the Korea Football Association (KFA). They plan to summon Chung Mong-gyu, KFA president, and Hong Myung-bo to provide information, examining the appointment processes of Jürgen Klinsmann and Hong Myung-bo, as well as allegations concerning transparency in the association's management.
Reports state that Hong Myung-bo appeared at Incheon Airport wearing a mask and a hat to conceal his face. It was later revealed that this trip was simply a vacation to Los Angeles, United States. He only said, “I have something to say, and the story will be revealed, but not yet.”