Veteran coach accepts full responsibility after South Korea fails to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down following the national team’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup group stage, taking full responsibility for the campaign’s outcome.
The 57-year-old announced his resignation on Sunday after South Korea failed to secure a place in the knockout rounds. The team finished third in Group A despite beginning the tournament with a victory over Czechia. Consecutive defeats against Mexico and South Africa, however, ended their hopes of progressing further.
Speaking after the team’s elimination, Hong expressed his gratitude to supporters and apologized to football fans across the country for not meeting expectations. He acknowledged that the national team had fallen short of the standards expected by the public and accepted full responsibility for the disappointing World Cup performance.
Hong indicated that accepting the role of national team manager had been a difficult decision, but once appointed, he remained committed to carrying out his responsibilities until the end. He added that he had focused solely on fulfilling the duties entrusted to him and believed the failure to achieve the desired results rested entirely on his shoulders.
The resignation marks the end of Hong’s second spell in charge of the South Korean national team. He returned as head coach in 2024 and oversaw 26 international matches, recording 15 victories, five draws, and six defeats during his tenure.
Hong previously managed South Korea between 2013 and 2014 after beginning his coaching career in 2009. Before moving into management, he enjoyed an illustrious playing career and earned 136 international caps, making him one of the country’s most respected football figures.
Despite his vast experience as both a player and coach, Hong was unable to guide South Korea beyond the group stage in this World Cup campaign. His resignation now leaves the Korean Football Association searching for a new head coach capable of rebuilding the squad and preparing the team for upcoming international competitions.
The departure also signals a period of transition for South Korean football as officials evaluate the team’s performance and begin planning for future tournaments with renewed ambitions of returning to the global stage as a stronger contender.
