As criticism mounts daily against former national football team head coach Hong Myungbo, who stepped down in disgrace after South Korea's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, there is growing interest in Japan's unexpected wave of support and sympathy for him.

Former football national team coach Hong Myung-bo, who recorded the worst performance in history by failing to advance to the round of 32 in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, is returning to Korea through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on June 30, 2026. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

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Taro Kono, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives who has 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 his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Do not harass our alum Hong Myungbo." Kono was once the CEO of Shonan Bellmare, the J-League club where Hong played during his career.

Figures from Japan's cultural scene also made similar remarks. Columnist Ichiro Enokido commented, "Hong Myungbo, I hope you come to Japan," and added, "J-League fans remember your fighting spirit."

A post by Taro Kono, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, on X on the 29th reads, "Do not harass our alum Hong Myungbo." Screenshot from X

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Japanese netizens echoed this sentiment, with comments such as "He contributed to the development of the J-League, it's unfortunate," "The criticism in Korea is excessive," and "I feel sorry for him." Some even suggested, "Let him seek asylum in Japan."

Major Japanese media outlets have closely covered Hong's resignation and the reaction within Korea. On the 29th, The World reported, "Just one day after South Korea's elimination from the group stage was confirmed, Hong Myungbo announced his resignation," and added, "Although he offered a public apology to the nation for the World Cup result, the anger of Korean football fans shows no sign of abating."

The outlet noted, "Before the tournament, optimism about advancing from the group stage was high in Korea, and with players like Son Heungmin (LAFC) and Lee Kangin (Paris Saint-Germain) leading the squad, many believed this was the strongest team ever." It continued, "Given the unexpected result, Korean media and football fans have unleashed a wave of harsh criticism."

On the 30th, fans visiting Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 raised protest banners as former head coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned from the South Korean national soccer team after failing to qualify for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup round of 32, arrived.

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Sports Hochi stated, "Coach Hong Myungbo resigned, saying, 'All responsibility lies with me.' As a player, he participated in four World Cups and also played in the J-League," adding, "As a manager, he resigned after South Korea's group stage exit at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, then returned to the post in 2024, only to resign once again."

Nikkan Sports also reported, "Coach Hong Myungbo, who led South Korea to its first ever Olympic bronze in the 2012 London Games, resigned after the group stage exit at the 2014 Brazil tournament, but returned as head coach after 10 years on July 2024." It continued, "In his second World Cup as manager, South Korea was considered a strong favorite to advance from Group A, but after another group stage exit, he ultimately resigned again."

Tokyo Sports, which reported on domestic criticism of Hong's decision to announce his resignation through a statement rather than a separate press conference, stated, "In Korea, not only is there strong criticism of coach Hong Myungbo, but also of the Korea Football Association," and added, "Attention is focused on whether Korean football can recover from this failure and rise again."

The Korean national team finished third in Group A with one win and two losses (three points), failing to advance from the group stage. Although this tournament expanded to 48 teams, allowing the top eight out of twelve third-placed teams in each group to qualify for the round of 32, South Korea not only failed to secure direct qualification but also fell short in all remaining scenarios, ending their campaign in disappointment. On the 29th, Hong Myungbo announced that he would step down as head coach, taking responsibility for the team's worst-ever result of failing to reach the round of 32.