President Yoon Praises Soccer Team's Efforts After World Cup; Omits Coach Hong Myung-bo

President Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledged the national soccer team's efforts, including captain Son Heung-min, following their participation in the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. In a message posted on his X account (formerly Twitter), the President offered deep condolences to the players, recognizing the significant emotional toll of their performance.

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Captain Son Heung-min and our national soccer team, you worked really hard.

"True support means not letting go of the players' hands even in the face of disappointing results," President Yoon stated. He emphasized that the nation understands the value of the players' sweat and tears, as well as the potential of the games they couldn't play. He assured them of continued unwavering support as the pride of South Korean football.

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True support is not letting go of the players' hands even in the face of disappointing results.

The President highlighted the team's resilience, noting that they never gave up until the final moments and gave their all on the field to bring hope and pride to the nation. He declared them worthy national representatives, regardless of the game's outcome. Yoon pledged that the government would do everything possible to ensure that this painful tournament serves as a stepping stone for the greater advancement of South Korean football, rather than just a source of frustration.

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You are enough to be proud national representatives of Korea, regardless of the game's outcome.

Earlier, key players including Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, and others arrived at Incheon International Airport. Fans greeted them with supportive chants like "You worked hard" and "Don't hang your heads."

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We will do everything the government can to ensure that this painful tournament does not end in despair, but becomes a stepping stone for the greater leap forward of Korean football.