World Cup: South Korea's Hong Myung-bo Resigns After Team's Exit, Cites Responsibility

South Korea's national football team coach, Hong Myung-bo, announced his resignation after the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup, failing to reach the round of 32. The team finished third in Group A with a record of one win and two losses, marking their worst performance in a 48-team tournament.

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I want to apologize to the citizens who supported the national team. I will step down from the coaching position. Being the national team coach was not an easy decision. I believe that fulfilling the responsibility I bear is the only way forward. I cannot say that every judgment I made was correct, but I can say that every judgment was for South Korean football.

In a brief press conference, Hong read a two-minute prepared statement, apologizing to the nation and emphasizing his sense of responsibility. He stated that his decision to coach the national team was not easy and that he believed stepping down was the only way to fulfill his duty. "I cannot say that every judgment I made was correct, but I can say that every judgment was for South Korean football," he said.

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For the sake of responsibility, I stand here. All responsibility for failing to achieve the results expected by the citizens lies with the head coach. Thank you to the players, coaching staff, and everyone. Although I am stepping down as head coach of the national team today, I have not let go of my love for South Korean football. I will cheer for the South Korean team to regain the trust of the citizens.

Hong reiterated his deep commitment to South Korean football, even as he stepped down as head coach. He thanked the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved, expressing his continued support for the team's efforts to regain public trust.

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Although it was called a press conference, no questions were accepted. After reading the prepared statement, Hong Myung-bo left directly. This publication also mentioned, 'During this tournament, Hong Myung-bo repeatedly stated that he would take responsibility for the results, and the statement repeatedly mentioned the word 'responsibility.' However, the 'responsibility' he spoke of ultimately ended with a letter of resignation, leaving the outside world unable to know the team's flaws in this tournament or where the core problems lie.'

However, South Korean media outlets, such as "442," raised questions about the substance of his resignation. The article noted that by not accepting questions, Hong's departure offered no clarity on the team's shortcomings or core problems. While he repeatedly mentioned "responsibility," his resignation was seen by some as a simple end to his tenure rather than an opportunity for introspection or accountability regarding the team's strategic and performance issues.

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Hong Myung-bo finished reading the prepared statement and ended the conference. If he answered questions one by one, it might have caused unnecessary misunderstandings.