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South Korea’s World Cup exit has sparked a nationwide crisis, with Hong Myung-bo resigning, the president ordering a probe and fans demanding sweeping reforms.
South Korea’s Heung-min Son dejected after their exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 (AP)
South Korea’s group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has spiralled into a full-blown national crisis, with head coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation and mounting calls for sweeping reform of the Korea Football Association (KFA).
While the results on the pitch were disappointing, many believe the controversy runs much deeper than football.
Why Has South Korea’s World Cup Exit Caused Such Outrage?
South Korea arrived at the expanded 48-team World Cup carrying high expectations. Led by stars such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, the squad had been widely described by local media as a “golden generation” expected to comfortably reach the knockout rounds.
Instead, the Taeguk Warriors crashed out in the group stage after beating the Czech Republic before suffering narrow defeats to Mexico and South Africa.
The final loss proved especially controversial after Hong left captain Son Heung-min on the bench until half-time, explaining later that he had planned to introduce him once South Africa began to tire.
“I would do things differently had I known how the match would turn out,” Hong admitted after the defeat.
The Real Issue: Years Of Frustration With The KFA
The backlash, however, has been fuelled by long-standing anger over the KFA’s leadership rather than just three poor World Cup performances.
Hong’s appointment in 2024 was controversial from the outset. After sacking Jurgen Klinsmann, the KFA reportedly abandoned a lengthy search involving foreign candidates before appointing Hong following a brief meeting.
Former midfielder Park Joo-ho, who served on the coaching search committee, publicly criticised the process, while South Korea’s sports ministry later concluded that the KFA had breached its own procedures in appointing both Klinsmann and Hong.
Although no illegal conduct was established, the findings further eroded public confidence in the federation.
President Steps In As Pressure Mounts
The fallout has now reached the highest levels of government.
President Lee Jae Myung described the World Cup elimination as “utterly baffled,” blaming personnel decisions and suggesting loyalty had been prioritised over competence. He has instructed the sports ministry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the team’s failure and recommend reforms to prevent a repeat.
South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party is also expected to hold a parliamentary hearing into the World Cup exit and the KFA’s management.
Hong Resigns, Uncertainty Begins
Facing mounting criticism, Hong resigned shortly after South Korea’s elimination, saying the responsibility rested with him.
Supporters booed the coach when the squad returned to Seoul while applauding the players, with banners reading, “South Korean football is dead.”
Hong has since travelled to the United States and admitted he does not know when he will return.
(with Reuters inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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