[Sportschosun, Reporter Kim Jun-seok] Former Major League pitcher Kim Byung-hyun has come under heavy criticism after making a candid remark about South Korea national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo.
On the 28th, Kim Byung-hyun shared his personal views on the growing criticism surrounding Hong Myung-bo while discussing South Korea's elimination from the North and Central America World Cup round of 32 on his YouTube channel.
He began by saying that, as a fellow athlete, he found it disappointing to see harsh criticism directed at a senior figure. He then appeared to be referring to recent comments by former national team goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang, who had sharply criticized Hong Myung-bo.
Earlier, Kim Young-kwang drew attention after shouting, "Hong Myung-bo, get out," while discussing the World Cup group stage on a TikTok Live broadcast.
Kim Byung-hyun expressed discomfort, saying, "The tournament has not even ended yet, but I was bothered by remarks from younger athletes who seemed to cross the line." While stressing that he had never met Hong Myung-bo, he repeatedly said that fellow sports figures should show proper respect.
He acknowledged that the coach bears responsibility for the national team's poor results, but argued that such criticism should come only after the tournament is over. He said criticism during the competition is inappropriate.
Once Kim Byung-hyun's remarks became known, debate broke out across football communities.
Some agreed with his call to "show respect," but many fans angered by South Korea's failure to advance to the round of 32 responded sharply, saying he "misunderstands how serious the situation is" and that "this is not the time for manners."
Coincidentally, the day after the video was released, on the 29th, Hong Myung-bo resigned as head coach during a World Cup wrap-up press conference.
narusi@sportschosun.com
