Story perspectives

Hong Myung-Bo Resigns After Korea’s World Cup Qualifying Failure

6/29/2026

Summary

Hong Myung-Bo Resigns

Hong Myung-Bo resigned on Sunday after South Korea’s group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reading an apology and saying he fulfilled his duty.
South Korea beat Czechia but lost to Mexico and South Africa, missing qualification as DR Congo beat Uzbekistan.
President Lee Jae Myung blamed loyalty-based appointments for the loss and ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the campaign.

Summary

Hong Blurred

Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) blurred Hong Myung-bo’s face during the live broadcast of his post-match press conference.
Hong’s contract had been slated to run through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup before he stepped down.
The sports ministry ordered the Korean Football Association to review its coach-appointment process, saying it broke its own rules and held an unreasonable interview.
The KFA denied any misconduct, insisting the appointment complied with established procedures.

Summary

Hong Facing Dismissal

A petition to dismiss Hong Myung-bo gathered enough signatures for an initial review within hours of its launch on the National Assembly’s website.
After the team’s group-stage exit, social-media users posted photos of shops displaying signs barring Hong, a trend that quickly went viral nationwide.
The backlash intensified criticism of the Korea Football Association, with accusations of cronyism and calls for structural reforms.

History

Historical Context

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Korea, a team that had reached a semi-final in 2002 and appeared in eleven consecutive tournaments, finished second in Group B with four points before falling 2-0 to Uruguay in the round of 16. The defeat intensified scrutiny of the Korea Football Association, prompting petitions and ministry-driven reforms to curb perceived cronyism in appointments.

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Hong Myung-Bo Resigns

Hong Myung-Bo resigned on Sunday after South Korea’s group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reading an apology and saying he fulfilled his duty.
South Korea beat Czechia but lost to Mexico and South Africa, missing qualification as DR Congo beat Uzbekistan.
President Lee Jae Myung blamed loyalty-based appointments for the loss and ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the campaign.

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