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.
