World Cup failure triggers coaching exit and political criticism in South Korea

SEOUL: South Korea’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment and controversy, triggering nationwide frustration, calls for deep reform in football governance, and the resignation of head coach Hong Myung-bo amid sharp criticism from political leadership and fans alike.

South Korea, semi-finalists when they co-hosted the 2002 World Cup, failed to advance beyond the group stage after a series of inconsistent performances in Group A against Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.

The team lost 1-0 to both Mexico and South Africa but managed a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. With three points, South Korea’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage depended on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Those hopes were eliminated by results elsewhere.

Hong, 57, stepped down Sunday, one day after the team’s exit was confirmed. The former national captain, serving his second stint as head coach, has now overseen two early World Cup departures, including a similar group-stage elimination in 2014.

“I asked myself the same question over the past two years whenever I had to make important decisions  whether it was selecting players or preparing training sessions, Is this the right choice for Korean football?” Hong told reporters in Mexico, according to Yonhap News Agency. “I cannot say every decision was correct, but I made them with Korean football in mind.”

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His resignation came just hours after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivered a blistering rebuke of the team’s performance calling the leadership “incompetent” and apologizing to the nation.

“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is inevitable,” Lee wrote on social media platform X. He also promised swift reforms in sports administration, though he did not provide details.

Hong’s tenure had been under intense scrutiny even before the tournament, with criticism from fans and media over his reappointment and tactical decisions.

His choice to bench star forward Son Heung-min for the decisive loss to South Africa drew particular backlash, as South Korea needed only a draw to advance.

Son, who turns 34 next month, is widely expected to have played his final World Cup and has previously hinted at retiring from international duty.

Hong said after stepping down that he would remain a supporter of Korean football despite leaving his role.

“Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football,” he said. “I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope the team will once again be trusted and loved by the people.”