Hong Myung-bo resigned as head coach of the South Korea national football team on June 29, 2026, following the team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico.
The announcement was made at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility near Guadalajara, Mexico.
South Korea finished 10th among the 12 third-placed teams, failing to reach the round of 32.
The team recorded a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic but lost 0-1 to both Mexico and South Africa.
Hong faced criticism for his defensive three-back system, heavy focus on high-altitude adaptation, and benching key players Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung in the crucial match against South Africa.
His contract was originally set to run until the Asian Cup in January 2027.
"First of all, I am truly sorry to the people who love and cheer for South Korean football.
Today, I intend to step down from my position as the head coach of the South Korean national football team," Hong said.
He described the decision as difficult but emphasized that fulfilling his responsibility was his sole focus during his tenure.
"I asked myself constantly over the past two years. Is this choice a choice for South Korean football?
When making important decisions for the national team, when selecting players, and when training and playing matches.
I cannot say that all my judgments were always right, but the standard for all my judgments was always South Korean football," Hong stated.
Hong acknowledged that a head coach must take ultimate responsibility for results without offering excuses.
"A coach is a position that must take responsibility to the point where no explanation is needed in front of the results.
So today, instead of an explanation, I stood in this position to speak about responsibility," he added.
"The results and responsibilities that did not meet the expectations of the public lie entirely with me as the coach.
I am grateful to the players, coaching staff, support staff, and everyone who silently dedicated themselves to the national team until the end."
He concluded by affirming his continued support for the national team's future progress.
"I lay down the position of national team coach today, but I have not laid down my mindset toward South Korean football.
I will sincerely cheer for our national team to move forward as a team that can receive the trust and love of the people again," Hong said.
Korea Football Association Apologizes
World Cup Football National Team Director Park Hang-seo issued an official apology on behalf of the Korea Football Association.
"As the director representing the Korea Football Association, I offer an apology for delivering results that fell short of public expectations at the North Central American World Cup.
Our players, coaching staff, and support staff did their best to prepare, but failed to achieve results," Park said.
Park stressed that the association needs deep reflection to rebuild its administrative framework for future endeavors.
"I believe the Football Association will prepare for the future again with bone-breaking reflection and contemplation so that South Korean football can make a fresh start," Park noted.
"I thank the public for their unsparing support during the tournament, and I bow my head to apologize once again."
Political Reactions Demand Reform
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed shock at the results on June 28, 2026, calling for systemic reforms in national sports administration.
"I feel beyond flabbergasted, moving into feeling absurd at the unexpected results," Lee said.
"This failure to advance to the World Cup knockout stage, which left the public feeling hollow, appears to be a failure of organization and personnel.
It is very regrettable to have caused deep disappointment to the people with such an absurd matter."
Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties called for an overhaul of the national football governing body.
"The biggest enemy of South Korean football is the Korea Football Association," said Democratic Party Lawmaker Song Young-gil.
"I could not help but sigh the entire time I watched the World Cup matches this time. The process itself was not fair."
Song argued that the lack of accountability necessitates comprehensive institutional changes, not just personnel shifts.
"It is difficult to expect a future for South Korean football from a Korea Football Association that lacks procedures, responsibility, and reflection," Song added.
"The biggest enemy of South Korean football is not the opposing team. It is the cartel, lack of principles, and the irresponsible Korea Football Association.
This is not an issue to be ended by a resignation. A great transformation is needed to return South Korean football to the arms of the people."
Democratic Party Lawmaker Park Beom-kye said South Korean football needs complete reconstruction rather than simple remodeling, while fellow lawmaker Cho Kye-won called for major surgery on the national system.
Ruling People Power Party Lawmaker Kim Seung-su attributed the loss to tactical failures and demanded the dissolution and total reform of the association.
"Sports do not always have victories.
We must provide unsparing applause and encouragement for the sweat and effort shed while doing one's best," said People Power Party Lawmaker Jin Jong-oh.
"However, the evaluation of results must be made through cold analysis, not emotion, to avoid repeating the same mistakes and move toward a stronger South Korean football."
Jin emphasized that leadership accountability is crucial for national sports progression.
"The coach at the center of that responsibility must also bear the responsibility for the results," Jin said.
"Coach Hong Myung-bo, thank you for your hard work. Now, I hope you lay down the helm for a new leap forward in South Korean football."
Further criticism came from within the political sphere regarding Hong's management style.
"This is a disaster of Hong Myung-bo's lack of leadership. He silenced the players with authoritarian tactics," claimed People Power Party Lawmaker Ju Jin-woo.
Democratic Party Lawmaker Moon Geum-ju expressed strong dissatisfaction immediately after the South Africa match.
"Is this all you can do with such good players?" Moon questioned.
"Stepping down is not enough. Never hang around as a football coach again."
The main contingent of the national team, including Hong and eight players such as Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, is scheduled to return to South Korea via Incheon International Airport on June 30, 2026, without any official welcoming ceremonies.
