South Korea has been eliminated from the World Cup after a disappointing group-stage exit. Head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday at the team's training camp in Guadalajara, taking full responsibility for the failure to reach the last 32. The team finished third in Group A with three points, securing a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but suffering 1-0 losses to Mexico and South Africa. Their hopes of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1.
Expectations were high for a squad featuring stars such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae. However, the campaign was marred by tactical decisions, including the decision to bench Son for the vital match against South Africa and substituting him during the loss to Mexico. These choices, combined with a lacklustre performance by Lee, brought heightened scrutiny to Hong's methods. At 33, veteran skipper Son Heung-min may have played his final World Cup.
President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep bewilderment and bafflement at the result, attributing the failure to organizational and personnel issues. The president blasted Hong and the Korea Football Association, claiming that loyalty and factionalism were prioritized over competence in appointments. He has called for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances and causes of the team's performance to prevent future recurrence.
This marks the second group-stage exit for the 57-year-old Hong, who previously coached the team during the 2014 World Cup. While he was a national icon as the captain of the 2002 semi-finalist team and had won back-to-back K-League titles with Ulsan Hyundai, public sentiment has soured. Fans have voiced their anger through petitions and social media, and no welcome ceremony will be held at Incheon airport upon the team's return on Tuesday.