South Korea Out of World Cup; Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns Amid Fan Anger

South Korea's World Cup journey has ended in disappointment, with the team failing to advance to the knockout rounds after results in Group A did not go their way. The three points earned were insufficient to secure one of the coveted spots in the last 32, marking an ignominious conclusion to a campaign fraught with challenges.

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It was an ignominious end to a fractured campaign that has seen the country fall out of love with the one-time national team captain and icon, who more than two decades ago led South Korea to their finest achievement.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned on Sunday, captained the South Korean team to its greatest achievement – a semi-final appearance on home soil in 2002. That historic run, fueled by national pride, saw victories against Portugal, Poland, Italy, and Spain. However, the mood surrounding the former national team captain and icon has soured considerably over the decades, reaching an all-time low following this performance.

Hong's previous stint as coach in 2014 ended with him being pelted with candy, a significant insult in South Korean culture, after his young squad was eliminated in the group stage. This time, the backlash is expected to be similar or worse. The team squandered a winning start against the Czech Republic, subsequently losing to Mexico and South Africa. President Lee Jae-myung has already publicly criticized Hong and the Korea Football Association, while fans have voiced their anger.

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He can expect similar, or worse, following this performance after the Koreans wasted a winning start against Czech Republic as their campaign fizzled out with losses against Mexico and South Africa.

The decision to re-appoint Hong in July 2024, despite his success in winning back-to-back K-League titles with Ulsan Hyundai, was controversial. Expectations were high given the squad's talent, featuring stars like Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae. However, tactical decisions, such as benching Son Heung-min for a crucial match and substituting him in another, along with lackluster performances from other key players, intensified scrutiny on Hong's methods.

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President Lee Jae-myung has already launched a broadside against Hong and the Korea Football Association while fans have again voiced their anger at those running the game in the country.

Adding to the somber end, no welcome ceremony has been arranged for the team's arrival at Incheon airport. This marks the first time in recent memory that the national team has not been formally welcomed home after a major tournament. Hong will return as the former national team boss, and his departure is unlikely to be mourned by many fans of the "Red Devils."

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As a result, Hong and the first batch of players are expected to arrive home on Tuesday with no welcome ceremony arranged at Incheon airport, the first time in recent memory no such event will have been held for the national team.