Story perspectives

Hong Myung-bo Resigns After Korea’s Worst World Cup Finish

6/29/2026

Summary

Hong Resigns

Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea’s head coach at a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico on 27 June 2026.
South Korea placed third in Group A, ranking 34th of 48, its worst World Cup finish since Brazil 2014.
Hong Myung-bo apologized to fans, accepted full responsibility and said he would offer accountability rather than explanations.
Democratic Party Rep. Cho Kye-won and People Power Rep. Joo Jin-woo demanded an overhaul of the Korea Football Association.

Summary

Lee Demands Probe

President Lee Jae Myung demanded a probe of the Korea Football Association’s coach-appointment on June 28, 2026.
He asked Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review national team’s administration after World Cup exit.
Coach Hong Myung-bo’s contract, signed July 2024, runs until February 2027 and covers 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Hong’s July 2024 reappointment, which replaced former coach Jurgen Klinsmann, drew criticism over the hiring procedure before the tournament.

History

Historical Context

South Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan, becoming the first Asian nation to reach the semi-finals and finish fourth under coach Guus Hiddink. That breakthrough sparked a surge in football development and public enthusiasm. Decades later, the Korea Football Association faces pressure to reform its governance, echoing the legacy of the 2002 surge.

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Hong Resigns

Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea’s head coach at a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico on 27 June 2026.
South Korea placed third in Group A, ranking 34th of 48, its worst World Cup finish since Brazil 2014.
Hong Myung-bo apologized to fans, accepted full responsibility and said he would offer accountability rather than explanations.
Democratic Party Rep. Cho Kye-won and People Power Rep. Joo Jin-woo demanded an overhaul of the Korea Football Association.

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