South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo seeks refuge in US amid presidential probe

Former South Korea men’s national team head coach Hong Myung-bo is residing in the United States after resigning following the team’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Korea finished third in Group A behind Mexico and South Africa.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for a government investigation into the Korea Football Association’s appointment process, stating, “When favoritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper.” The inquiry will examine whether the KFA bypassed a legitimate coach‑selection procedure after the dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann.

The investigation’s outcome and any potential disciplinary action against Hong remain pending, while the coach’s whereabouts in the U.S. keep him out of immediate reach of South Korean authorities.