South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo he stepped down after his team’s disappointing exit from 2026 FIFA World Cupas President Lee Jae Myung called for an investigation into the failed campaign in the country.
Hong announced his resignation on Sunday, a day after South Korea’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s top third-placed teams were officially ended.
The 56-year-old accepted full responsibility for the team’s performance, saying: “The responsibility lies entirely with me as head coach.”
The President orders a review of the campaign
South Korea finished third in Group A after one win and two losses, behind Mexico and South Africa.
Their 1-0 loss to South Africa in their final group game left their hopes of qualification dependent on results elsewhere, but those hopes faded after Saturday’s games.
The disappointing campaign drew criticism from supporters and left President Lee demanding answers.
In a post on X, Lee described the team’s departure as “not only bewildered, but completely bewildered by the unexpected outcome.”
He added that the early elimination “seems like a failure of organization and personnel.”
“When favoritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in the selection of commanders, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper,” the president said.
Hong apologizes to fans
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico, Hong apologized to fans for falling short of expectations.
“We didn’t get the results our fans expected,” he said.
“Although I am leaving the national team, I am not leaving Korean football completely. I will support the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that people will trust and love the team again.”
Hong’s appointment in 2024 has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the Korea Football Association of overlooking other candidates.
Reflecting on his decision to accept the role, he said: “Accepting the job was not an easy choice.”
“I can’t say that every decision was right, but I can tell you that I made every decision with Korean football in mind.”
Local media also reported that South Korean police are monitoring security around Hong’s return after the former defender, who captained the country to a historic 2002 World Cup semi-final appearance, received online death threats.
