"It Is Difficult for Normal Life in Korea"... Why Myeongbo Hong Is Being Linked to the J.League in Japan

Source: "Many J.League clubs want him"
Hong Myung-Bo departs for LA after resignation...unlikely to return to Korea

Reports have surfaced that Japan’s J.League is showing interest in Myeongbo Hong, the former head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, who resigned after taking responsibility for the team’s elimination in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

Myeongbo Hong, former head coach of the South Korean national soccer team. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On July 1, Japanese media outlet Tokyo Sports reported, "The J.League has recently expressed interest in Myeongbo Hong, who stepped down as South Korea’s head coach." The outlet explained that Hong has faced criticism, threats to his safety, and statements from politicians on social networking services (SNS) in Korea, stating, "It is difficult for Hong to continue his normal life in Korea under these circumstances."

One source commented, "Coach Hong is a person of excellent character and is also friendly toward Japan. Of course, as a coach, he is first-rate, so it might actually be better for him to continue his coaching career in Japan." The source added, "Given the current situation, it is nearly impossible for him to keep working as a coach in Korea. There are plenty of J.League clubs that would be eager to have him."

During his playing career, Hong also played for the J.League clubs Shonan Bellmare and Kashiwa Reysol. Taking this into account, the media outlet noted, "Especially during his time at Kashiwa, then-manager Akira Nishino highly valued his leadership, even giving him the captain’s armband. As there are still quite a few J.League officials who have maintained a good relationship with Hong, there is a growing sentiment that now is the time to bring him to Japan, given the intense criticism he is facing in Korea."

Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japanese national team, which was eliminated in the first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, voiced his support for Hong, saying, "Coach Hong has dedicated himself for his country. While he may not have advanced past the group stage in this World Cup, he did secure a win." Moriyasu went on to say, "In the world of professionals, results are important, but you can’t dismiss everything that’s been done so far just because of the outcome. I don’t know how critical the Korean public is, but I think there should be praise for Coach Hong and his staff and players for their efforts for the country."

After South Korea’s elimination in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, Hong resigned as head coach on June 29 and reportedly entered Los Angeles (LA), United States. In response to the World Cup results, President Lee Jaemyung and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-Young stated on SNS that they would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the team’s failure to advance to the tournament stage and pledged to reform the closed personnel structure of the Korea Football Association. However, according to MBN on July 4, Hong recently informed his close associates before leaving for the United States that he has no plans to return to Korea. The associate revealed that "Hong has no intention of returning to Korea" and is not considering attending a parliamentary hearing either.

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