"We humbly accept all your rebukes and criticism, and we will strive to build a better Korean football," the Korea Football Association (KFA) said.
The KFA issued an apology over the national team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. It was the association's first statement since the national team returned home Nov. 30 after completing its World Cup schedule.
"We sincerely apologize for the disappointment caused by results that fell short of expectations at this 2026 North America World Cup," the KFA said Wednesday through its official website. "We will take the failure of this tournament as a lesson and prepare anew for the future of Korean football through deep reflection and introspection."
The association drew a line on the recently raised conflicts within the squad related to an interview boycott during the World Cup. "We also note that the speculative reports that turned various unverified tips into news are entirely untrue," the KFA said.
The association added: "Once again, we bow our heads in apology to the football fans who sincerely worry about Korean football for the concern we have caused, and we promise that our association will continue to work to protect the noble values and purity inherent in football."
The association also addressed the appointment of the next head coach and the chairman election. Chairman Chung Mong-gyu expressed his intention to resign after the North America World Cup last May, and head coach Hong Myung-bo also announced his intention to resign on the ground in Mexico after the group-stage elimination was confirmed.
"The Power Reinforcement Committee held a meeting on Wednesday and agreed to review multifaceted directions related to the coach appointment," the KFA said. "The committee plans to continue discussions through follow-up meetings so that the second-half A-match schedule proceeds without disruption, prioritizing the stability of national team operations so that the team can prepare for the Asian Cup without wavering."
It continued: "Under the association's current bylaws, an election must be held within 60 days when the chairmanship becomes vacant. While the electoral system is based on compliance with the association's bylaws, it must not conflict with the bylaws of FIFA, the association's higher governing body, and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee." The KFA said, "Accordingly, the association is currently conducting multifaceted and in-depth deliberations."
