Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of the South Korea national football team following the squad's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].

The resignation marks a significant failure for a team with high expectations, triggering a national conversation about the management and selection process of the national squad.

Hong announced his decision Sunday at the team's base camp in Mexico [2]. The announcement came as the squad prepared to return to South Korea after failing to advance past the group stage [2].

"I take full responsibility for the team's performance and have decided to step down as head coach," Hong said [2].

The team's campaign was marked by a struggle to secure victories. South Korea finished bottom of Group H [3] and earned only one point from three matches [3]. Their opening game resulted in a 1-1 draw with Russia [3].

The poor performance has drawn scrutiny from the highest levels of government. President Lee Jae Myung called for a government investigation into the team's early exit [4].

President Lee said that "favoritism and cronyism" were favored over "competence" [4]. The investigation aims to determine how these factors may have influenced the team's preparation and results.

While Hong has stepped away, other figures associated with the program have also faced public pressure. Park Hang-seo bowed in apology following the team's elimination [1].

“"I take full responsibility for the team's performance and have decided to step down as head coach."”

The intersection of a sporting failure and a government-led investigation suggests that the South Korean national team is viewed as a matter of national prestige rather than just an athletic endeavor. By citing 'cronyism' over 'competence,' the presidency is framing the World Cup exit as a systemic failure of governance within the football association, likely leading to a complete overhaul of the coaching selection process.