South Korea’s Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns Following World Cup Exit

After South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup, head coach Hong Myung-bo tendered his resignation. President Lee Jae-myung has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review the coaching appointment process and team management following the national team’s disappointing performance. Coach Hong accepted full responsibility for not delivering the expected results and apologized.

June 29, Kathmandu – Following South Korea’s exit from the group stage of the World Cup, the national football team’s head coach, Hong Myung-bo, resigned from his position. President Lee Jae-myung publicly questioned the coach’s capabilities amid the team’s poor performance and ordered a thorough review of the national team’s overall structure.

South Korea started on a positive note by winning their opening match against the Czech Republic but subsequently suffered defeats against Mexico and South Africa. The expanded tournament’s third-best third-placed team was hoped to advance to the knockout stage, but that possibility ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3–1.

In response to the team’s unexpected failure, President Lee raised concerns about the coaching appointment process itself. He emphasized that prioritizing loyalty and factional interests over qualifications had led to this outcome and stressed that leadership selection should be the foundation of success.

The 57-year-old Hong announced his resignation and apologized to fans before departing from the team’s training camp to return home. He acknowledged that he failed to achieve the expected results and took full responsibility. Despite stepping down, he affirmed his ongoing commitment to South Korean football.

This marked Hong’s second tenure with the South Korean national team. He previously led the squad during the 2014 World Cup, where South Korea was also eliminated in the group stage. South Korea has participated in 11 consecutive World Cups and reached the semifinals when they co-hosted the tournament in 2002. In the wake of this latest setback, President Lee has ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a review of the national team’s structure and management. – Associated Press