[Sportschosun, Kim Joon-seok] Rapper and broadcaster DinDin expressed disappointment over Hong Myung-bo's press conference and demeanor after South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
On the 28th, DinDin shared a live video on his social networking service that he had filmed during South Korea's group-stage match against South Africa, and voiced his thoughts on the national team's results and the question of the coach's responsibility.
In the video, he began by saying, "When people do something wrong, or when I am the person in charge, there should be reflection if I led the team and the result was not good."
He added, "Everyone must have worked hard. Who would not have worked hard?" He then said, "Still, the first thing that should come out is, 'I am truly sorry. We should have done better, and I am sorry.'"
DinDin also said, "If you just say, 'We tried to get a good result, but it is my responsibility,' who would really take that at face value?" He argued that acknowledging responsibility for the outcome is different from offering a sincere apology that the public can genuinely accept.
After South Korea's hopes of advancing to the round of 32 were dashed, Hong Myung-bo held a press conference at the Guadalajara base camp in Mexico on the 29th and officially announced his resignation as head coach.
Hong said, "We were unable to deliver the result that the public had expected. All responsibility lies with me as the coach," and stated that he would step down.
However, after finishing his statement, he left the press conference without taking questions. He was also seen with his hands in his pockets as he exited, prompting criticism online that he lacked sincerity despite speaking of responsibility and that his behavior could be seen as irresponsible.
DinDin's remarks have also resonated with public sentiment. Internet users responded with comments such as, "The way you apologize matters too," "What the public wanted to hear was not an excuse, but a sincere apology," and "I agree with DinDin."
Meanwhile, South Korea finished third in Group A at this tournament with one win and two losses, earning three points. It then fell short in the race for one of the eight spots awarded to the best third-place teams, ending the competition in 34th place overall.
narusi@sportschosun.com
