Hong Myung-bo stepped down as the head coach of South Korea on Sunday, just one day after his team faced an early exit from the World Cup and amid strong disapproval from the nation’s president.
The 57-year-old former captain, in his second term as coach, experienced a disappointing World Cup departure for the second time, having also failed to advance in 2014. South Korea was anticipated to progress from Group A, which included co-hosts Mexico, as well as South Africa and Czechia. However, they suffered losses of 1-0 against both South Africa and Mexico, finishing with only three points, their sole victory being a 2-1 win over Czechia.
“Over the past two years I asked myself the same question whenever I had to make important decisions, select players or prepare for training session and matches: ‘Is this the right choice for Korean football?’” Hong stated to reporters in Mexico, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. “I can not say every decision has been the right one, but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind.”
Hong’s resignation followed a harsh critique from President Lee Jae Myung, who condemned the team’s inadequate performance and attributed it to “When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” while also issuing an apology to the nation.
“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,” Lee expressed in a post on X. “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 continued, though without providing further details.
Even prior to the tournament, Hong had faced considerable criticism from fans and the media in South Korea. His decision to bench veteran captain Son Heung-min for the match against South Africa, where a draw was sufficient to advance, proved to be a costly gamble.
Hong, who was met with boos during home games after his appointment in July 2024, expressed his ongoing support for the national team upon his resignation.
“I will always cheer for the national team with all my heart and hope that they regain the trust and affection of the people.”
