South Korea’s football head coach, Hong Myung-bo, resigned on Sunday, just one day after his team’s group-stage elimination from the World Cup and amid sharp criticism from the nation’s president.
The 57-year-old former captain, who was in his second spell as coach, presided over another early World Cup exit—echoing the disappointment of 2014.
Drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic, South Korea was widely expected to advance. However, Hong’s side suffered 1-0 defeats to South Africa and Mexico, with their only victory a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.
They finished third in the group with three points, left hoping to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. Those hopes were dashed by other results on Saturday, prompting Hong to take responsibility and step down the following day.
Over the past two years, I have always asked myself the same question when making important decisions, selecting players, or preparing for matches: Is this the right choice for Korean football?
Hong told reporters in Mexico, according to Yonhap News Agency. I cannot say every decision was correct, but I can assure you that each one was made with Korean football’s best interests in mind.
Hong’s resignation followed scathing remarks from President Lee Jae Myung, who criticized the national team’s leadership and apologized publicly for the disappointing outcome.
When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable, Lee wrote in a post on X. I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome.
We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again.
Hong had faced intense scrutiny from fans and the South Korean media even before the World Cup, and his decision to drop veteran captain Son Heung-min for the crucial match against South Africa when only a draw was needed to progress sparked further controversy.
Son, who turns 34 next month, has likely played his final World Cup, having previously hinted at retiring from international football.
Despite facing boos during home matches since his appointment in July 2024, Hong said after his resignation that he remains a passionate supporter of the national team.
Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether. I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again, he said.
