South Korea president apologizes after World Cup group-stage exit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung condemned the national soccer team's premature World Cup exit, pointing the finger at "incompetent people" and apologizing to the nation.

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When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable.

South Korea’s turbulent campaign in North America ended at the group phase, potentially leading to the international retirement of captain Son Heung-min. After three days of anxious waiting to see if they would advance to the knockout rounds as one of the eight third-placed finishers, results went against South Korea, sending them home.

The deeply unpopular coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to be fired or resign. The president promised wholesale reform, stating, "When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable." He added, "I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again."

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I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome.

South Korea had a chance to reach the Round of 32 but suffered a shock 1-0 loss to lower-ranked South Africa. Coach Hong's decision to bench attacking talisman Son Heung-min in a gamble that backfired contributed to the team finishing third in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. They also lost 1-0 to Mexico after an initial 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.

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We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

Criticism back home was immediate and fierce, with Hong in the firing line. Yonhap News Agency called South Korea’s exit “dismal,” reporting the team suffered “the humiliation of a 2026 World Cup group-stage exit after three days of agonising hope.” The tournament was overshadowed by a dispute between the squad and local media, and a drone disrupted a crucial training session before the Mexico defeat. Former Tottenham attacker Son, who now plays for Los Angeles FC, has previously hinted at international retirement, with the daily Sports Chosun anticipating this will be the end for the player who has often carried South Korea and scored 56 goals for his country. A headline in the paper read, “Son Heung-min’s final World Cup ends in heartbreak.” He turns 34 next month.

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The national team suffered the humiliation of a 2026 World Cup group-stage exit after three days of agonising hope.