Dindin criticizes Hong Myung-bo's attitude: 'A sincere apology should have come first'

Rapper and broadcaster Dindin has publicly criticized former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo, saying a sincere apology should have come before anything else.

On Saturday, Dindin posted a live video of South Korea's group-stage match against South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on his Instagram, using the occasion to express his frustration with Hong.

"When someone makes a mistake, or when you're the person in charge and the team you led didn't produce good results, there has to be reflection," Dindin said. "That means saying, 'I'm truly sorry. I'm sorry we couldn't achieve better results.'"

He then sharpened his criticism, saying, "If you just say, 'I tried my best to get good results, and it's my responsibility' — who is going to accept that?"

Hong held a press conference Sunday at the team's base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he officially announced his resignation as head coach.

"I was unable to show the results that the people of this country expected," Hong said. "All responsibility lies with me as the coach." He then left without taking questions. His departure drew further criticism online after he was photographed walking out with his hands in his pockets.

Internet users rallied behind Dindin's remarks, commenting that "the manner of an apology matters too" and "what the public wanted to hear was not excuses but a heartfelt apology."

Meanwhile, South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses for three points, placing 10th in the wild-card standings and ending the tournament in 34th place overall.

Football commentator Park Moon-sung also strongly criticized Hong amid South Korea's failure to advance past the group stage at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, particularly noting that the squad featured the strongest group of players the country has ever produced — including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae.