South Korea coach resigns after World Cup exit: president orders investigation as death threats mount

A campaign unravelled

South Korea opened with a 2-1 comeback win over Czech Republic but then lost 1-0 to Mexico and 1-0 to South Africa, finishing third in Group A with three points. For the South Africa match on 25 June, coach Hong Myung-bo left captain Son Heung-min on the bench, a decision that drew sharp questions from Korean media. One reporter asked whether the players were suffering from food poisoning given their poor performance; Hong denied any such incident. Former defender Lee Young-pyo described it on television as "the worst match by a Korean football team in the 21st century". The team then waited three days to learn if they would squeeze into the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. That hope ended on Saturday 27 June, when DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1.

The camp had already been tense after media personnel mocked Son's military service record on camera, prompting a brief boycott of domestic media by players. Son, who earned exemption from 21-month mandatory service with a gold at the 2018 Asian Games, turns 34 in July and may now consider retiring from international duty.

Political firestorm

President Lee Jae-myung issued a scathing statement on social media, calling Hong "incapable" and ordering a comprehensive review of the national team programme.

“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, a self-described former honorary chairman of a professional club and member of the Red Devils fan group, apologised to the public for the "absurd situation" and directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to reform sports administration.

Death threats and public fury

Backlash against Hong escalated quickly online. An anonymous user in a Korean forum threatened to kill Hong upon his return, Yonhap news agency reported. Broadcaster KBS blurred Hong's face as if he were a criminal while reporting the exit. In response, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency announced that 160 riot and airport police officers plus 25 extra security personnel will be stationed at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday 30 June when the squad lands. The welcome ceremony previously planned for the team was cancelled.

Hong's resignation

Hong announced his resignation at a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday 28 June, accepting full responsibility.

“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.”

The 57-year-old was captain of the 2002 side that reached the semi-finals, but his coaching tenures in 2014 and 2026 both ended in group-stage exits. While the players, including Son, Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, escaped most of the public ire, the focus has fallen on football governance.

What comes next

The presidential order for a ministry-led review aims to prevent a repeat of the organisational failures blamed for the early exit. The Korea Football Association faces pressure to overhaul selection processes. Meanwhile, the national team's next steps, including a possible coaching search and Son's international future, remain open questions.