Hong Myung-bo resigns: 'I sincerely apologize — my every decision was for Korean football'

Hong Myung-bo has stepped down as head coach of South Korea's national football team, taking responsibility for the side's failure to advance from the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.

Hong announced his resignation Monday morning (Korean Standard Time) at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, Mexico — the team's base camp training ground — reading a prepared statement to reporters.

"I sincerely apologize to the people of Korea," Hong said. "I am stepping down from my position as national team head coach."

He said accepting the role had never been an easy decision. "From the moment I decided to take on the job, I stopped thinking about any other reason," he said. "I believed that fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me to the very end was the only thing I had to do."

Hong said he had asked himself the same question throughout his two-year tenure. "Whether it was making an important decision, selecting players, preparing training sessions or going into a match — I never let go of that question: 'Is this choice the right one for Korean football?'" he said.

"I cannot say every judgment I made was correct," Hong said. "But the standard behind every judgment was always Korean football."

He added that a head coach must bear full responsibility for results, without explanation. "I was unable to deliver the outcome the Korean people hoped for at this World Cup," he said. "That responsibility rests entirely with me, the coach."

Hong closed by saying his commitment to Korean football would outlast his resignation. "I am laying down the reins, but I am not laying down my heart for Korean football," he said. "I sincerely hope our national team will grow into a side that once again earns the trust and love of the Korean people."

Hong took no questions from reporters after reading his statement.

Park Hang-seo, head of the World Cup support delegation and national team general manager, also issued a written apology.

"On behalf of the Korea Football Association, I offer a deep apology in my capacity as head of the support delegation and national team general manager," Park said. "I believe this is the time for the KFA to reflect with the most painful self-examination and prepare anew for the future, so that Korean football can make a fresh start after overcoming the disappointment of this World Cup."

Hong was appointed on July 8, 2024, with his contract running through the 2027 Asian Cup, set to be held next January. His tenure ended roughly six months early following controversy over the team's poor performances at the tournament.

South Korea were drawn into Group A alongside the Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa, finishing with one win and two losses — third in the group and 34th among the 48 participating nations — and failed to reach the round of 32. It was the first time South Korea had been eliminated before the round of 32 in 40 years, since the 1986 World Cup.

The team's listless display against South Africa — considered the weakest opponent in the group — drew particular public anger. Players were criticized for standing idle, as if unsure of their assignments, and for a lack of aggressive play. Hong's tactical decisions also drew scrutiny: he left captain and leading striker Son Heung-min on the bench from the start, and declined to bring on additional attackers even while trailing 1-0.

Hong had also managed the national team at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, where he drew heavy criticism after finishing with one draw and two losses. He is the only South Korean coach to have led the national team at two separate World Cups.

That record fueled controversy from the moment Hong was appointed this time. Allegations emerged that the KFA's National Team Performance Enhancement Committee had effectively pre-selected Hong without adequately considering other candidates, and he was summoned to a National Assembly hearing on the matter. His standing was further damaged during friendlies, when the team suffered heavy defeats — 0-5 to Brazil and 0-4 to Ivory Coast — raising fresh doubts about the team's direction.