"Sorry Again and Again," "I Will Live in Atonement"... Hong Myung-bo's Wife Apologizes to Angry Fans in Comments

Ulsan HD → Hong Myung-bo Appointed as National Football Team Coach
Park Joo-ho's Revelations Renew Focus on Amino Player Comments
Wife Responds to Critical Comments One by One... "Sorry"

It has been four days since Hong Myung-bo, who previously served as the head coach of Ulsan HD, was appointed as the head coach of the South Korean national football team, but controversy surrounding the appointment process has yet to subside. Following the revelation by Korea Football Association (KFA) member Park Joo-ho that the coach had already been decided, criticism arose over Hong’s harsh remarks about Amino, a player who chose to transfer after the season ended, calling him "the worst Japanese player I have ever met." This criticism mirrors the sudden resignation of Hong from his position as Ulsan HD coach mid-season to take on the national team role. In response, Hong’s wife issued an apology directly to fans on social media (SNS), expressing regret.

Head Coach of the South Korea National Football Team, Hong Myung-bo.
[Photo by Korea Football Association]

On the 11th, Ulsan HD posted an official message on their SNS announcing their parting with Coach Hong. Contrary to the original intention of "sending messages of thanks and support," the post attracted sharp comments from Ulsan football fans and Korean football supporters alike. Comments included, "I have never seen a coach irresponsibly take over another team mid-season," "We are currently competing for the championship; how can he leave now?" "Is this even a coach?" "I cannot support him," and "I am shaking with betrayal," all criticizing Coach Hong.

Following this, every critical comment directed at Coach Hong received an apology reply starting with "We are sorry." It was Hong’s wife, Jo Su-mi, who bowed her head to the fans on his behalf. Jo expressed her apologies with words such as "I will live with a repentant heart," "He does not deserve support," and "As his wife, I will share his pain. I am sorry, truly sorry." To comments supporting Hong, Jo replied, "While replying, tears blurred my vision, causing typos," adding, "I am very sorry and regretful. I feel guilty for hurting your hearts. Please just hate us comfortably."

Jo Sumi, the wife of coach Hong Myung-bo, apologizing to fans.
[Photo by Ulsan HD Instagram]

When it became known that Jo was replying individually to critical comments, sharp conflicts of opinion erupted on online communities and social media. Netizens responded with remarks such as, "Why is his wife apologizing instead of Hong Myung-bo himself?" "Even if you apologize, the wrongdoing does not disappear," and "The wife is suffering because of an irresponsible husband," while others expressed sympathy, saying, "It’s unfortunate," "The wife is pitiful," and "You can really feel how sorry she is."

Criticism of Coach Hong also continued at the actual venue. Ahead of the K League Round 22 match against Gwangju, Ulsan fans hung banners with harsh phrases such as "Liar Run Myung-bo" and "The worst coach we have ever seen." After the match, fans showered Hong with tremendous jeers. As Hong headed to the locker room, fans shouted in anger, "Hong Myung-bo, get out!"

In Response to Park Joo-ho’s Revelation, KFA "Considering Legal Action"

Meanwhile, the KFA officially announced Hong’s appointment on the 7th. This announcement contrasted sharply with statements made just weeks earlier that they were considering hiring a foreign coach. Park Joo-ho, a member of the KFA’s Strengthening Committee, revealed, "We tried to leverage overseas experience to look for a foreign coach, but within the association, a preference for a domestic coach had already formed," adding, "I wonder what we have been doing for five months. It feels futile." In response to Park’s remarks, the KFA stated that they are reviewing legal action based on confidentiality agreements.

On the morning of the 11th, after completing training with the Ulsan squad and saying his final goodbyes to the players, Coach Hong left the club. Ulsan will have assistant coach Lee Kyung-soo serve as interim head coach for the time being. At a press conference on the 10th, Hong explained his acceptance of the coaching offer, saying, "I was afraid to face uncertainty, but I thought this could be the last challenge in my football career. It is also true that a strong competitive spirit to try again arose within me."