South Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns After World Cup Exit

The 57-year-old, who captained South Korea during his playing career, had also overseen the national team at the 2014 World Cup, where the Taeguk Warriors were likewise eliminated in the group stage. He stepped down just one day after this year's early exit.

Announcing his decision, Hong said accepting the role had never been an easy choice, but he remained committed to fulfilling his responsibilities.

"Today I am resigning as head coach of the South Korea national team," Hong said. "Taking this job was never an easy decision, but once I accepted it, I never considered any alternative. I was determined to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to me. I sincerely apologise to everyone who loves and has always supported Korean football."

He accepted full responsibility for the team's poor performance.

"I failed to deliver the results our supporters expected. I take full responsibility for this failure," he added.

According to Britain's The Guardian, citing South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, Hong announced his resignation while speaking to reporters in Mexico.

"Over the past two years, whenever I had to make an important decision—whether selecting the squad or preparing for a match—I always asked myself whether it was the right decision for Korean football," he said. "I cannot say every decision I made was correct, but I can say they were all made with the best interests of Korean football in mind."

Hong's resignation comes after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly criticised the team's World Cup performance and apologised to the nation.

"When loyalty is valued more than competence, and unqualified people are placed in leadership positions, this is the inevitable outcome," the president said. "I apologise to the people for this unacceptable result. We will quickly reform the country's sports administration to ensure this does not happen again."

Hong had struggled to win over supporters since replacing Jürgen Klinsmann as head coach in July 2024. He was booed by home fans soon after taking charge, and his decisions during the World Cup drew fresh criticism.

In South Korea's crucial match against South Africa, Hong left captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup and introduced him only in the second half. The team went on to lose the match, with the decision becoming one of the major talking points following their World Cup elimination.

MMR