South Korea coach resigns after World Cup exit

South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-Bo announced his resignation Sunday morning in Guadalajara, Mexico, less than 24 hours after the team's elimination from the World Cup was confirmed. The team finished third in Group A with one win and two losses. Results elsewhere on Saturday ended any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides.

Performance and prior campaign Hong addressed the media from a prepared statement without taking questions. He apologized to supporters of Korean football and said he bore full responsibility for the outcome. The team opened the tournament with a win over Czechia before consecutive defeats to Mexico and South Africa.

Four years earlier, South Korea had advanced from the group stage and reached the round of 16.

Presidential criticism President Lee Jae Myung issued a public rebuke, expressing surprise and bewilderment at the result. He criticized the national team structure, oversight, and the decision to appoint Hong. The president said personnel decisions determine outcomes and that appointing an incapable leader produces predictable results.

Hong's departure marks his second immediate resignation after a World Cup. He also stepped down following the 2014 tournament.