"South Koreans, Stop Harassing Hong Myung-bo"...Why Unexpected Sympathy for Hong Emerged in Japan

Hong Myung-bo’s Past J-League Career Highlighted
Public Support from Japanese Politicians and Football Community
Local Fans Say, "Let’s Offer Him Asylum"

As criticism continues to mount in South Korea over the ignominious resignation of former national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after the team’s elimination from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, an unexpected wave of support and sympathy is spreading in neighboring Japan, drawing attention to the reasons behind it.

Former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after failing to advance to the round of 32 in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, is arriving at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News.

Public Support from Japanese Politicians

Taro Kono, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives who previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense, and Minister for Digital Affairs, publicly defended former coach Hong on the 29th by posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Do not harass our OB (senior) Myungbo Hong.” Kono previously served as the president of J.League club Shonan Bellmare, where Hong had once played.

Figures from Japan’s cultural scene also expressed similar sentiments. Columnist Ichiro Enokido stated, “I hope Hong Myung-bo comes to Japan,” adding, “J.League fans still remember your fighting spirit.”

Member of the Japanese House of Representatives Taro Kono posted on X on the 29th. It says, "Do not harass our OB Myungbo Hong." Screenshot from X

Among Japanese netizens, there were also responses such as, “It’s unfortunate for someone who contributed to the development of the J.League,” “The public opinion in Korea is excessive,” and “I feel sorry for him.” Some even went as far as to suggest, “Let’s have him seek asylum in Japan.”

Japanese Media Focus on ‘Domestic Criticism’ in Korea

Major Japanese media outlets have focused extensively on Hong’s resignation and the reaction within South Korea. The World reported on the 29th, “Just one day after elimination from the group stage was confirmed, Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation as head coach,” adding, “Although he issued a public apology for the World Cup result, the anger among Korean football fans shows no sign of abating.”

The outlet continued, “Ahead of the tournament, there was optimism in Korea about advancing from the group stage, and with Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) leading the squad, many considered this the strongest lineup in history.” It added, “The unexpected elimination led to a torrent of criticism from Korean media and football fans alike.”

Sports Hochi highlighted, “Hong Myung-bo resigned, stating that ‘all responsibility lies with me.’ As a player, he competed in four World Cups and was active in the J.League as well. After stepping down following the group stage exit at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, he returned as head coach in 2024, only to resign again.”

Nikkan Sports also noted, “Hong Myung-bo, who led Korea to its first Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, resigned after the group stage elimination at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, but returned to the national team after 10 years in July 2024. Taking charge for a second World Cup, he resigned again after failing to advance from Group A, where Korea was considered a favorite to progress.”

Former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, who was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, is leaving after concluding his resignation press conference on the morning of the 28th (local time) at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan near Guadalajara, Mexico. Photo by Yonhap News

Tokyo Sports, which reported on domestic criticism of Hong for announcing his departure through a written statement rather than a separate press conference, stated, “In Korea, not only is Hong Myung-bo being held accountable, but there is also strong criticism directed at the Korea Football Association.” The report added, “There is growing interest in whether Korean football can recover from this failure.”

The Korean national team finished third in Group A with one win and two losses (three points), resulting in elimination. With the number of participating teams expanded to 48 this tournament, the top eight of the 12 third-placed teams in each group could advance to the round of 32, but South Korea failed to secure advancement on their own and could not meet the last possible scenario, collapsing in disappointment. On the 29th, Hong announced his intention to step down as coach, taking responsibility for the worst result of failing to reach the round of 32.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.