South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down following the national team’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for the campaign’s failure.
The resignation came after South Korea’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams were officially ended on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico on Sunday, Hong apologised to supporters and admitted the team had fallen short of expectations.
“The responsibility rests entirely with me as head coach.
“We didn’t deliver the results that our fans expected.
“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.”
Led by captain Son Heung-min, South Korea finished third in Group A after recording one win and two defeats, ending behind Mexico and South Africa. Although the expanded 48-team World Cup format offered a chance for the best third-placed teams to advance, the Koreans missed out after results elsewhere went against them.
The team’s elimination sparked outrage among fans and officials. Supporters heavily criticised Hong’s management, while the national team’s official supporters’ group, the Red Devils, demanded his resignation.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also reacted to the early exit, calling for an investigation into the team’s poor performance and suggesting there were deeper issues behind the disappointing campaign.
“When favouritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper,” the president wrote on X.
