South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigns after World Cup exit

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as South Korea’s head coach after the team failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage. The early exit has triggered strong criticism at home, and President Lee Jae Myung has called for an investigation into what went wrong.

South Korea finished with one win and two defeats, and their hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams were ended by results elsewhere on Saturday. The final blow came after a 1-0 loss to South Africa, which left them third in Group A and under heavy pressure.

Hong apologised to fans and said the responsibility “rests entirely with me as head coach.” He added that he had made every decision with Korean football in mind, while also saying he was not leaving the sport altogether.

The appointment had been controversial from the start. Hong was a national hero as captain of the 2002 side that reached the semi-finals, but his previous spell as coach in 2014 ended without a win and without progression from the group stage. His return in 2024 was widely criticised, with many fans accusing the federation of favouritism.

The backlash has been severe, with the official Red Devils supporters’ group calling for him to leave football forever. South Korean police are also reportedly monitoring security after an online death threat was made against him ahead of his return home.