Hyundai Card vice chairman laments South Korea's World Cup exit: 'Never thought we'd miss the round of 32'

Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young expressed disappointment after South Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa in their Group A third-round match at the 2026 North America World Cup, failing to secure a place in the round of 32.

Chung posted a brief message on his social media account Thursday, writing: "I never thought we'd fail to make the round of 32."

He accompanied the post with a photo from the Group A second-round match between South Africa and the Czech Republic on June 19, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Heading into the match, South Korea were ranked 25th by FIFA, while South Africa were 60th and the Czech Republic 40th.

In the match held Thursday at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, South Korea conceded early in the second half and failed to find an equalizer.

South Africa finished with one win, one draw and one loss — four points — to claim second place in Group A, while South Korea dropped to third with one win and two losses.

South Korea needed only a draw to advance automatically. They must now wait for the final results of other group third-place finishers to see whether they rank among the top eight and qualify.

Online commenters reacted to Chung's post with frustration. "Looking at the performance, maybe this is where it should end," one wrote. Others said "the manager matters," "it's a disgrace to play like this with these players," and "I feel like pulling my son out of football."

Some commenters urged Chung to run for president of the Korea Football Association, with messages such as "Please run for KFA chairman" appearing under the post.

KFA President Chung Mong-gyu announced late last month, ahead of the World Cup, that he intended to step down after the tournament. "I consider it my final duty as association president to support the national team in delivering results at the finals, and I will do my utmost," he said.

Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young is married to Chung Myung-yi, a granddaughter of the late Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung. KFA President Chung Mong-gyu is the eldest son of Chung Se-young, a younger brother of Chung Ju-yung and former Hyundai Motor Co. chairman — making both men members of the Hyundai family.