Less than 24 hours after their elimination from the World Cup was confirmed, South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo has announced his resignation. Hong’s exit follows a harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program.
Hong faced the media Sunday morning in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the team had been staying while awaiting their fate following the conclusion of their Group A campaign on Wednesday. The team finished third in Group A with a win over Czechia followed by back-to-back defeats against Mexico and South Africa. With results elsewhere not going their way, South Korea’s hopes of reaching the round of 32 as one of the best-performing third-placed teams officially ended Saturday, failing to emulate their 2022 campaign where they progressed to the knockout rounds.
Reading from a prepared statement and declining to take questions, Hong expressed his sincere apologies to everyone who loves Korean football and has always supported the national team. He noted that while accepting the role was never an easy decision, he believed his sole duty was to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to him to the very end.
Over his two-year tenure, Hong stated he constantly questioned whether his decisions regarding player selection, training sessions, and match leadership were right for Korean football, adding that while he cannot say every decision was correct, they were always made with the best intentions. He bore full responsibility for the shortfalls, stating that the position of head coach carries a responsibility so great that no explanation is necessary when results fall short of what the Korean people expected.
Hong’s departure marks a second disappointing stint in charge of the national team, having previously stepped down immediately after the 2014 World Cup following the team’s worst tournament display since 1998. The quick exit has left the national team program in turmoil and drew a sharp, public rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung. The president, speaking as a member of the Red Devils fan group, expressed deep bewilderment at the unexpected result and leveled pointed criticism at the coach’s appointment.
President Lee stated that personnel decisions determine everything, warning that if loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the disastrous outcome is as predictable as fire.
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