South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo has resigned from his post in national disgrace after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup was met with brutal condemnation from the country’s president.
South Korea were eliminated early from the competition after failing to build on the strong start that saw them come from behind to beat Czech Republic, subsequently losing their next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.
The country hoped it would qualify for the knockouts as one of the eight-best third-place teams to advance in this year’s expanded tournament, but that dream was snuffed out when DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.
Hong, 57, is now coming under heavy fire in his homeland, with South Korea president Lee Jae-myung branding the coach as “incapable” and ordering a complete review of the national team programme.
“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.
“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”
Lee called for the national Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to take action, adding: “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.”
Lee’s fury has been echoed in public and press sentiment towards Hong, with broadcaster KBS blurring his face as if he were a criminal while reporting on their swift exit.
Hong announced his resignation with an apology to Korean fans before the team left its base camp in Mexico on Sunday, where South Korea had played all three of its group matches.
“To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach,” Hong 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.
“Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”
Hong was in his second stint with the national team, having also taken charge ar the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea also failed to advance past the group stage.
South Korea are a regular at the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and went on a historic run to the semi-finals when they co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
Additional reporting from AP
