Crash landing: South Korea's World Cup dreams are left in tatters after a disastrous group-stage exit, with head coach Hong Myung-bo taking the fall. The 57-year-old's resignation comes hot on the heels of scathing criticism from President Lee Jae Myung, who blasted the team's performance as "profound disappointment" – and squarely pinned the blame on his shoulders.
For the second time in a row, Hong has overseen an early World Cup exit for South Korea. The team's hopes were pinned to advancing from Group A, which featured co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia. But it was not meant to be – South Korea slumped to 1-0 defeats against both South Africa and Mexico, snatching only a solitary 2-1 victory over Czechia.
Hong faced the music after his tenure as head coach ended in ignominy. Speaking to reporters in Mexico, he reflected on his decisions, stating: "Over the past two years I asked myself the same question whenever I had to make important ones: ‘Is this the right choice for Korean football?’" He acknowledged that not every decision was perfect but insisted they were made with the best interests of Korean football at heart – according to Yonhap News Agency.
But it's too little, too late. The coach had been under intense pressure from fans and the South Korean media long before the tournament even kicked off. A particularly contentious call saw veteran captain Son Heung-min omitted from the starting line-up for the crunch match against South Africa – a decision that backfired spectacularly.
President Lee Jae Myung, however, has made it clear that he's not just firing the coach – he's calling for a complete overhaul of sports administration. In a blistering X post, the President vowed swift reforms to prevent future World Cup disasters, but stopped short of outlining specific measures. For Hong and his team, though, it's too late – they're packing their bags and heading home with their tails between their legs.
The coach had faced boos from home crowds since his appointment in July 2024, but nothing could have prepared him for the brutal reality of his own President calling time on his tenure. Hong concluded his statement by expressing his continued support for the national team – but it's a hollow gesture now. The damage is done; trust and affection are in short supply.