Dhaka, Jun 29 (V7N) — South Korea head coach Hong Myeong-bo has resigned after the country's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for the team's failure. Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an investigation into the reasons behind the national team's poor performance.
The British broadcaster BBC News reported the developments on Monday (June 29).
Hong announced his resignation at a press conference on Sunday, apologizing to supporters and accepting full responsibility for South Korea's early elimination.
"We could not achieve the results our fans expected. As the head coach, I take full responsibility," Hong said.
Ranked 32nd in the FIFA World Rankings, South Korea won one match and lost two in the group stage, finishing third in Group A behind Mexico and South Africa. Although the expanded 48-team World Cup allows the eight best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage, South Korea failed to qualify, with their elimination confirmed after Saturday's final round of matches.
The team's 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Thursday triggered widespread criticism across the country, with fans expressing frustration over the team's performances. The backlash soon extended beyond football into the political arena.
In a post on social media platform X, President Lee Jae-myung described the team's unexpected elimination as both shocking and deeply disappointing. He suggested the failure reflected not only performances on the pitch but also shortcomings in team management and player selection.
Hong Myeong-bo remains one of the most celebrated figures in South Korean football, having captained the national team to a historic semi-final appearance at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. However, his coaching record has been less successful. Under his leadership, South Korea exited the 2014 World Cup in the group stage without winning a match.
His return as national team coach in 2024 was also met with controversy. Many supporters criticized the South Korean Football Association for appointing Hong despite considering several foreign candidates, alleging that familiarity rather than a transparent selection process influenced the decision.
Responding to those criticisms, Hong said accepting the role had not been an easy decision but insisted every choice he made was intended to serve the best interests of South Korean football.
"I am leaving the national team, but I am not leaving South Korean football," he said. "I will always support the team and hope it regains the trust and love of the people."
According to local media reports, Hong has also received death threats through social media following the team's World Cup exit. In response, South Korean police have tightened security at several key locations, including Incheon International Airport, ahead of his return home.
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