Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea manager after president brands him 'incapable' over World Cup exit

South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday after the country’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup prompted president Lee Jae-myung to publicly brand him “incapable” and demand a government investigation into the national team programme.

South Korea were eliminated from Group A after winning just one of their three matches — a comeback victory over Czech Republic — before losing to South Africa and Mexico. Their hopes of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the expanded tournament were extinguished when DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.

President Lee, who described himself as “at heart, a member of the Red Devils,” did not hold back in his condemnation. “If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire,” he said, calling on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to act swiftly. “I sincerely apologise to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again.”

The public and media reaction in South Korea was equally severe. Broadcaster KBS blurred Hong’s face during its coverage of the exit — a treatment typically reserved for criminal suspects.

Hong, 57, announced his resignation before the squad departed their base camp in Mexico, where all three group matches had been played. “To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise,” he said. “As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me.”

Hong added that his commitment to Korean football would endure beyond his tenure: “My heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support the Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”

This was Hong’s second spell in charge of the national side. He also managed South Korea at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the team similarly failed to advance from the group stage. The exit marks a painful chapter for a nation that has made 11 consecutive World Cup appearances and famously reached the semi-finals on home soil in 2002.