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.
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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.
