Hong Myung-bo has no plans to return to Korea, associate says amid hearing controversy

Former South Korea national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo, who faces a National Assembly hearing over the team's poor World Cup performance, has left for the United States with no plans to return, an associate said.

According to MBN, Hong told an associate before his departure that he had no intention of returning to Korea. The associate said Hong "has no plans to return to Korea" and is not considering attending the hearing.

Hong departed for Los Angeles through Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. His family is said to reside in the United States.

At the airport, when reporters asked whether he would attend the hearing, Hong said, "I don't know. I'm not sure when I'll be coming back."

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee is pushing to hold a hearing with Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and Hong as witnesses. Witnesses who are formally summoned are in principle required to appear, but they may submit a written excuse and skip the hearing. Compelling attendance is not possible.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Choi Min-hee addressed his departure on social media Thursday, saying Hong "has an obligation to explain the World Cup results to the public," while adding, "I believe his departure is not an act of evasion."