South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on June 28, 2026, following the national team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup [4].
The resignation follows a period of intense public scrutiny and fan anger after the squad failed to advance past the group stage. The failure marks a significant disappointment for a nation with high expectations for its football program.
Chaos erupted at Incheon International Airport on Sunday as the team returned home [2, 3]. Fans shouted insults and jeered at the coaching staff, with some holding a banner that read “Korean Football Is Dead” [1, 2, 3]. Heavy security was required to manage the crowd as they targeted Hong Myung-bo. Some fans shouted, "Hong Myung-bo, get out!" [1].
While reports on the crowd's reception vary, some accounts indicate that fans greeted the players with applause even as they targeted the coach [3]. Nine of the 26 squad members landed at the airport during the initial arrival [1].
The team's performance was statistically poor compared to other struggling nations. South Korea ranked 10th out of 12 nations that finished third in their groups [1].
Team captain Son Heung-min expressed the emotional toll of the tournament. "I am indescribably hurt by our World Cup exit," Son said [2].
The political fallout reached the highest levels of government. President Lee Jae Myung was baffled by the country failing to reach the round of 32, according to reports [4].
The atmosphere at the airport highlighted the volatile relationship between the national team's management and its supporters, a tension that culminated in Hong's departure [4].
“"Hong Myung-bo, get out!"”
The resignation of Hong Myung-bo reflects the immense pressure placed on South Korean football leadership to perform on the global stage. Failing to reach the round of 32, combined with a low ranking among third-place teams, created a vacuum of confidence that made the coach's position untenable regardless of his tactical justifications.
