Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, has stepped down, taking responsibility for the team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 North America World Cup.
Hong announced his resignation at a press conference held Monday (Korea time) at Chivas Verde Valle, the South Korean team's base camp for the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, located in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico.
The press conference proceeded with only Hong's statement and no questions from reporters.
"The position of national team coach was never an easy decision for me," he said. "But from the moment I decided to take on the role, I did not think about any other reasons. To fulfill the responsibility entrusted to me to the very end—that is what I thought was the only thing I had to do."
"Over the past two years, I always asked myself, 'Is this choice a choice for Korean football?'" he said. "When making important decisions, when selecting players, and when preparing training and playing matches, I never let go of that question."
Hong emphasized, "I cannot say that all my judgments were always right. But the standard for all my judgments was always Korean football."
"The position of coach is one that must bear responsibility to the point where no explanation is needed in the face of results," he said. "I was unable to show the result that the people had hoped for at this World Cup. The responsibility for that lies entirely with me as the coach."
Finally, he added, "I am putting down the baton, but I have not put down my heart for Korean football. I sincerely hope that our national team will grow into a team that can once again earn the trust and love of the people."
Hong's term had originally been set to run until the Asian Cup in January 2027. However, after several poor performances at this World Cup ending in the shocking failure to advance to the round of 32, he was forced to step down early.
South Korea, which competed in Group A of the group stage alongside host Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, was eliminated as the third-place team in the group.
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their first match but lost 0-1 to host Mexico in their second match, and then lost 0-1 to South Africa in their final match, in which even a draw would have secured their advance to the round of 32 on their own.
They subsequently finished 10th among the 12 third-place teams in the group, falling short and tasting the bitterness of elimination.
With the number of participating nations expanded to 48 for the first time at this tournament, South Korea's final ranking was 34th.
Hong, who led the national team to a record of one draw and two losses at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, failed to bring success to his second World Cup opportunity as head coach and returned the national team baton early.
Park Hang-seo, head of the World Cup support team (national team general manager) who accompanied the squad, also issued a statement of apology.
"As head of the support team and general manager of the national team, I offer a deep apology on behalf of the Korea Football Association," Park said, bowing his head.
"I believe this is a time when the Korea Football Association must prepare for the future again with painful reflection and self-examination, so that Korean football can make a fresh start after overcoming the slump at this World Cup," he said.
