[Han Jung-su's Instagram · Newsis]
[Han Jung-su's Instagram · Newsis]

Actor Han Jung-su has again taken aim at national team head coach Hong Myung-bo amid South Korea's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup before the round of 32.

Han wrote on his social media account Monday that "if you are a person, you must keep at least a minimum of conscience," adding, "You said you were serving — if you have even a shred of conscience, let's give back the salary. If you are a person."

Earlier Monday, Hong held a press conference at the team's base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he announced his resignation as head coach, taking responsibility for the team's failure to advance to the knockout stage.

"I was ultimately unable to show the results the public had hoped for," Hong said. "All of that responsibility lies with me as the coach."

Hong said he could not claim every decision he made was right, but added, "The standard behind every one of my decisions was always Korean football."

The press conference was pre-recorded and took no questions. Hong drew fresh anger from online users when he was seen walking away with his hands in his pockets after it ended.

South Korea opened the tournament on a positive note by beating the Czech Republic 2-1, but back-to-back 0-1 losses to Mexico and South Africa left the team unable to advance as a third-place wild card, ultimately failing to reach the round of 32.

Soccer commentator Park Moon-sung sharply criticized Hong after the elimination, saying South Korea had produced its worst World Cup performance with what he called the best squad in the country's history — a roster that included Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com