Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea head coach after World Cup first-round exit | OneFootball

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as South Korea head coach after their World Cup first-round exit, amid fierce domestic criticism.

According to Yonhap, he confirmed his departure on Sunday, shortly after DR Congo's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan overnight sealed South Korea's fate.

At a press conference, the former defender offered a sincere apology to supporters and said he was stepping down. He added that, although the job was never an easy choice, he had sought to carry out his duties responsibly to the end.

Following two defeats in three matches at the tournament, hostility at home intensified. President Lee Jae-myung labelled him incompetent, while social media posts showed shops barring him and one broadcaster even blurring his face on air.

A leading figure in Korean football, he captained the side that finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup and once held a national-record 136 caps before Heung-min Son surpassed him.

Appointed in 2024, he previously led the national team from 2009 to 2013 and from 2013 to 2014. His teams advanced beyond the first round only once, in 2010, before losing to Uruguay in the last 16.

Source: L'Équipe