Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea coach amid international media scrutiny

Hong Myung-bo has stepped down as the head coach of the South Korean national football team, taking responsibility for the team's early exit from the World Cup. The resignation, announced at a press conference near the team's base camp, comes six months before his contract was set to expire in January 2027.

“

The early elimination from the World Cup has thrown Korean football into great turmoil, and President Lee Jae-myung has also sharply criticized coach Hong Myung-bo.

This marks a second World Cup disappointment for Hong, who also led the team in the 2014 Brazil tournament, where they achieved a dismal record of one draw and two losses. His tenure has been marred by controversy since his appointment, with allegations of procedural irregularities and a lack of public trust. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had previously called for a review of the selection process, citing concerns that the Football Association violated its own regulations.

“

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism pointed out that the selection process was 'difficult to see as a rational process' at the time, but the association denied the allegations.

International media outlets have closely followed the fallout from South Korea's performance. AP reported that President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized Hong's "incompetence," prompting the resignation. The news agency also noted South Korea's consistent World Cup appearances and its historic 2002 semi-final run, contrasting it with the current team's struggles. The Athletic highlighted the pre-tournament criticism Hong faced, including jeers at home matches, and pointed to tactical decisions like benching captain Son Heung-min in a crucial match against South Africa as contributing factors to the team's downfall.

“

Coach Hong had not earned the trust of fans and the Korean media even before this tournament began. He faced constant criticism.

The Athletic also revisited the "fairness controversy" surrounding Hong's hiring, where the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism questioned the selection process. The Guardian noted that Hong failed to gain the trust of fans and media even before the tournament began, enduring constant criticism. ESPN contrasted the team's dramatic advancement to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup with their current group stage elimination after losses to Mexico and South Africa, describing it as a reversal of fortunes.

“

This tournament was the complete opposite of four years ago.