South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday after the country’s early exit from the World Cup triggered fierce criticism from President Lee Jae Myung, who described the coach as “incapable” and ordered a sweeping review of the national team programme.
South Korea opened its campaign with a victory over Czech Republic before suffering successive Group A defeats to South Africa and Mexico.
The Koreans had hoped to progress to the knockout stage as one of the best third placed teams in the expanded tournament, but those hopes were ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.
The disappointing campaign plunged the national team into turmoil and prompted an unusually direct intervention from President Lee.
“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.
Lee criticised the national team structure, oversight and the decision to appoint Hong in the first place.
“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,” the president said.
Hong, 57, announced his resignation and apologised to supporters before the team departed its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea played all three of its group matches.
The former defender was serving his second spell as national team coach, having also overseen South Korea’s campaign at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the country likewise failed to progress beyond the group stage.
“To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologize. 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,” Hong said. “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.”
South Korea are regular participants at the World Cup and have appeared in 11 consecutive tournaments since 1986. Their best performance came in 2002 when they reached the semi finals as co-hosts of the competition.
Lee also directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to examine the failures of the national team set up.
“I sincerely apologize 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 said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
