Ahn Jung-hwan Denies Coaching Rumors

Ahn Jung-hwan, a former national soccer player and broadcaster, denied allegations that he was covering for Hong Myung-bo, the national team coach, and the Korea Football Association. Ahn Jung-hwan revealed his stance on the controversy surrounding the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA North, Central America World Cup group stage during a live broadcast of the TikTok original entertainment program 'Tiki Taka Taka Talk Talk Show'.

Previously, the Korean national team finished the tournament with one win and two losses in the group stage. Following criticism over Son Heung-min's early substitution after the loss to Mexico, Ahn Jung-hwan caused controversy by saying, "Imagine if Cho Gue-sung's header had gone in then. Those who can't do it are talking nonsense."

Regarding the statement, Ahn Jung-hwan explained, "I made a mistake, but it wasn't a curse, was it? I also have the freedom to express myself that way." While acknowledging his rough language, he emphasized that he did not intend to defend coach Hong Myung-bo or ignore fans' criticism. He added, "​I just want the national team to do well, and I am not on Coach Hong's side."

When asked about responsibility for the team's poor performance, he replied, "Who picked the coaching staff? The coach picked them, right? Then it's the coach's fault," suggesting that the coach was responsible.

Regarding a past live broadcast where Ahn Jung-hwan was seen lowering his head when Kim Young-kwang shouted "Hong Myung-bo out," he refuted, "I wasn't looking at the situation, I was looking at the script. I just do what I'm told, I don't read the room," clarifying that he was not being subservient to the Football Association.