Shin Moon-sun: Hong Myung-bo and Chung Mong-gyu should have bowed and apologized at the airport

Myongji University professor Shin Moon-sun criticized former South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo and Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu for failing to offer a proper public apology upon returning home after the national team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 North America World Cup. He said they should have "lined up and bowed their heads to the people and said, 'We are sorry' — whether or not taffy came flying at them."

Shin made the remarks Monday on CBS Radio's "Park Jae-hong's Hanpan Seungbu," comparing Hong's conduct to that of Japan coach Moriyasu Hajime.

Japan was eliminated after losing 2-1 to Brazil in the round of 32. Moriyasu immediately approached Japanese supporters in the stands and bowed deeply after the defeat — a gesture Shin contrasted with Hong, who walked out of his resignation press conference with his hands in his pockets.

"Does the content of that statement — delivered as if he were furious — make any sense at all? And then he walks out with his hands in his pockets the moment it's over," Shin said. "Watching that press conference, it was not the atmosphere of someone who was genuinely reflecting and acknowledging his mistakes."

Shin also said any administrator who understood the public's anger should have had players wait comfortably inside — grabbing coffee and resting — before coming out together with Chung to face the crowd. "Whether taffy comes flying or not, it's not going to kill you," he said. "They should have all lined up, bowed their heads to the people, and said they were truly sorry. That is what they should have done."

Shin was equally critical of Chung. "Hasn't he been the one who made all the coaching appointments for the national team? He did it with Klinsmann, and he did it with Hong Myung-bo. Does he lack the basic judgment to apologize and say he will take full responsibility?"

Shin added that Chung emerged from the airport 30 minutes after Hong, with officials citing separate flights as the reason. "Some football fans are saying he deliberately hid and came out later," Shin said. "If it were me, I would have waited 30 minutes, walked in with my head bowed, and taken the scolding all at once. It is truly frustrating."