South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup drew harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program.
World Cup Performance
South Korea won its opening match against Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico. The team hoped to advance as one of the third-place teams in the expanded tournament, but that ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.
The early exit for a team that expected to advance left the national program in turmoil and drew a sharp rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung.
Presidential Criticism
“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said. He also criticized the national team structure and oversight, and the coach’s appointment.
“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire,” the president said.
Resignation and Apology
Hong, 57, announced his resignation with an apology to Korean fans before the team left its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea played all three group matches. This was his second stint with the national team; he also coached at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea failed to advance past the group stage.
“To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologize. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach,” Hong said. “As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me. Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”
National Review Ordered
South Korea is a regular at the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances and was a semifinalist when it co-hosted the tournament in 2002. President Lee called for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review the national team and its failures. “I sincerely apologize to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again,” Lee said.
