Hong Myung-Bo steps down after South Korea’s World Cup exit

Hong Myung-Bo has resigned as South Korea head coach after the national team’s World Cup elimination was confirmed. South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses, and their hopes of progressing as a best third-placed team ended on Saturday.

Hong addressed the media in Guadalajara on Sunday with a prepared statement and did not take questions afterward. He apologized to supporters and said he accepted responsibility for a campaign that began with victory over Czechia but ended with defeats to Mexico and South Africa.

The exit has intensified scrutiny of South Korea’s national team structure. President Lee Jae Myung publicly criticized the handling of the program and questioned the appointment process, while also calling for a wider review.

For Hong, this is another painful end to a spell in charge of the national side. He also left after the 2014 World Cup, and his latest departure leaves South Korean football facing immediate questions about leadership, accountability and the direction of the program before the next cycle begins.