Hong Myung-bo has stepped down as head coach of the South Korea national team, less than 12 hours after the Taeguk Warriors were officially eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Korea finished third in Group A but failed to secure one of the eight places available for the best third-placed teams, bringing their World Cup campaign to a disappointing conclusion.
According to football outlet FourFourTwo Korea, Hong submitted his resignation to the Korea Football Association (KFA) shortly after the team’s elimination.
In an emotional statement released on the evening of June 28, the 57-year-old accepted full responsibility for the team’s failure to meet expectations.
“First of all, I sincerely apologize to everyone who loves Korean football. As of today, I am officially stepping down as head coach of the South Korea national team.”
Hong admitted that taking charge of the national team had never been an easy decision, but said his only objective had been to help Korean football achieve its ambitions on the international stage.
“When I accepted this position, I believed there was only one path—to achieve every goal set for Korean football.”
“Whenever I had to make important decisions, I always asked myself whether they were in the best interests of Korean football.”
While acknowledging that not every decision had proven successful, Hong insisted every choice was made with the team’s long-term development in mind.
“I cannot say that every decision I made was correct, but I can say that every decision was made with the best intentions for the future of Korean football.”
The former captain chose not to offer excuses for the World Cup disappointment.
“At this moment, I want to talk about responsibility rather than excuses. I take full responsibility for failing to meet the expectations of our supporters.”
Hong also expressed gratitude to his players, coaching staff, and support personnel for their commitment throughout his tenure.
“Although I leave my position today, my love for Korean football will never change. I will continue to support the team and hope we can rise again and repay the fans for their unwavering support.”
A Korean Football Legend Bows Out
Hong remains one of the greatest figures in South Korean football history.
The former defender captained the national team during its unforgettable run to the 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, widely regarded as the greatest achievement in Korean football history, before retiring from international football in 2004.
He returned to lead the national team in 2024, recording a 57.7 percent win rate during his tenure.
However, mounting criticism from supporters intensified following South Korea’s defeat to South Africa and the team’s subsequent failure to progress beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Hong’s resignation leaves the Korea Football Association facing another significant decision as preparations begin for the next international cycle.
With the 2026 World Cup campaign ending in disappointment and expectations remaining high for one of Asia’s traditional football powers, attention now turns to identifying the coach who will lead South Korea into a new era.
Hong departs having accepted full responsibility for the team’s early exit, closing another chapter in a career that has seen him serve Korean football both as one of its greatest players and as its national team manager.
Credit Photo : FIFA
