Why is South Korea so furious at its World Cup coach?
Hong apologized and resigned after South Korea’s group-stage exit, as fans blamed opaque KFA selection decisions and his benching of Son Heung-min.
- Head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday following South Korea's World Cup group stage exit. "I am genuinely very sorry," Hong said, expressing hope the team would be "trusted and loved" by the public again.
- Hong's 2024 appointment faced backlash over perceived favoritism, with a government audit concluding the process lacked transparency. Critics alleged a "cartel based on alumni ties" within the Korea Football Association, which KFA President Chung Mong-gyu faced questioning over.
- Fans booed the team upon their return to Seoul on June 29, with some banners reading "South Korean football is dead." Anger intensified after Hong dropped captain Son Heung-min for the decisive 1-0 loss to South Africa.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung demanded an investigation, citing "profound disappointment" in personnel decisions. Parliament is planning a hearing next week to examine the World Cup failure and KFA management.
- The KFA faces pressure to rebuild public trust before the next major tournament. Broader reform remains the primary demand from fans and officials, who argue the organization must prioritize competence over factional loyalty.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Charges of lack of transparency, favouritism and clientism have shaken the confidence of the fans in the Korean Football Association. The country's president calls for research and reforms.
Explainer: Why is South Korea so furious at its World Cup ...
New Strait Times
The Straits TimesWhy is South Korea so furious at its World Cup coach?
SEOUL: South Korea's exit from the World Cup in the group stage has been followed by the country's president demanding an investigation, national team coach Hong Myung Bo resigning and fans calling for reform of the Korea FA (KFA).
■Let's talk about the World Cup: Sports writer Shin Takehiro At the FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, South Korea was eliminated in Group A of the Group Stage (first round), and coach Hong Myung-bo is facing strong criticism within South Korea. The South Korean national team…
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