Hong Myung-bo quits amid Lee Jae-myung probe, plunging S. Korea into crisis
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday, leaving South Korea struggling after World Cup exit and cronyism probe.
The manager announced his departure at a news conference in Mexico, where the team trained and played all three group matches. His reappointment in 2024 had drawn immediate allegations of favoritism and opaque hiring process, which he denied. The sports ministry later said the Korea football Association [KFA] violated several rules in the process.
South Korea finished third in Group A with three points, beating Czechia before losing to Mexico and South Africa. A one‑nil defeat to South Africa, ranked sixtieth, left the team third in the group. They still held hope of advancing as one of the eight best third‑place teams under the tournament’s expanded format. That hope ended Saturday when other results eliminated them.
“Today, I wish to step down,” Hong said. “I failed to deliver the results the public expected. The responsibility lies entirely with me.”
South Korea Head Coach Hong Myung-bo reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between South Africa and Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 24, 2026 at 7:25 PM. Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
President Lee Jae Myung posted on X that he felt “utterly baffled” by the outcome. “When favouritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper,” Lee said. He called on the sports ministry to investigate and develop reform measures.
Fan anger has escalated. The Red Devils, the national team’s official supporters’ group, issued a statement demanding Hong “kneel before the entire nation and leave the football world forever.” A petition for his removal gained the signatures required for parliamentary review. Restaurants posted notices banning his entry. Police launched an investigation into online death threats against Hong and said officers would deploy at Incheon Airport upon his return.
The association must now find a replacement, with foreign candidates considered more likely given the climate. The government investigation into hiring practices and public‑fund use could reshape football governance.
“I cannot say every decision has been the right one,” Hong said, “but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind.”
He folded his statement and stepped away from the podium. He did not take questions. The conference ended. Hong walked out through a side door. He has not been seen in public since. His future in football remains uncertain.
The national team’s return flight to Seoul is scheduled for Tuesday. The players are expected to disperse to their clubs afterward, leaving the federation to manage the crisis alone. The KFA has not announced when it will name an interim manager.