The Red Devils, the official supporters' group of the South Korea national football team, issued a strongly worded statement Monday demanding that head coach Hong Myung-bo "leave soccer forever."
In a lengthy post on their official Instagram account, the Red Devils said, "We were sincere, we were desperate, and we believed until the very end," adding, "We gave that sincerity and ultimately made fools of ourselves."
"Our anger is not simply about failing to win a single match in the round of 32," the group said. "For some, this could have been their last World Cup. For others, it could have been their first. We wanted to cheer and applaud wholeheartedly for players who would give everything on the pitch, even without a flashy performance."
Turning directly to Hong, the group said: "If he used our sincerity as a tool to whitewash his past failures, then he did not sacrifice himself — he drove Korean football into ruin to save himself."
The remarks appeared to target Hong's record at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, where he also served as head coach and was eliminated with one draw and two losses. South Korea finished the 2026 North America World Cup with one win and two losses, again exiting in the group stage.
"Until the very last moment, he did not seek to apologize or ask forgiveness — instead he insulted Korean football fans with absurd sophistry to the end," the Red Devils said. "He must no longer remain a part of Korean football. He should reflect deeply, kneel before the entire Korean public, and leave soccer forever."
The group said it would "use every means available from Monday onward to fight until those who are corroding Korean football are gone," and called on fans to join them from the start. The statement closed with the line: "The day Korean football ceased to exist — 2026."
Hong formally announced his resignation at a press conference at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, Mexico, on Saturday.
"The position of head coach is one where no explanation can precede results," Hong said. "I was ultimately unable to deliver the outcome the public had hoped for."
However, Hong left the venue after reading only a brief statement, taking no questions from reporters. He was also photographed with his hands in his pockets as he walked out, prompting widespread criticism that the appearance fell far short of a genuine apology.
Hong was appointed head coach in July 2024, with his contract running through the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup in January 2027, but he stepped down roughly six months before his term was set to expire.
Hong is scheduled to return to South Korea through Incheon International Airport on Tuesday morning.
dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com
