South Korea World Cup exit prompts President Lee criticism and reports Hong Myung-bo quit

South Korea were eliminated at the World Cup after failing to advance from Group A, despite hopes of progressing as a third-place side in the expanded format. The exit drew strong criticism from President Lee Jae Myung, who questioned team oversight and the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo, amid reports he had resigned.

South Korea exited the World Cup early after a group-stage elimination. The result caused political and public backlash at home. South Korea media reports said coach Hong Myung-bo had quit. South Korea had aimed to reach the knockout round in the expanded tournament. That plan ended after other results on Saturday removed the last hope.

South Korea started Group A with a win over Czech Republic. South Korea then lost to South Africa and Mexico. South Korea still targeted progress as one of the best third-place teams. That possibility collapsed when Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday. The quick elimination drew strong criticism from South Korea media and President Lee Jae Myung.

South Korea World Cup exit triggers presidential criticism

President Lee Jae Myung issued a long statement after the elimination. "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. The statement questioned the national team’s structure and oversight. The statement also criticised coach Myung-bo’s appointment.

The president also linked the outcome to leadership choices. \"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. The remarks followed the team’s short campaign. The comments added pressure around the national setup.

South Korea World Cup coach Hong Myung-bo under focus

Hong Myung-bo, 57, was in a second stint with the national team. South Korea media reports said Hong had quit after the tournament exit. Hong had also coached at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In that event, South Korea also failed to reach the knockout stage. The repeated outcome sharpened attention on the coaching decision.

South Korea has long been a regular at the World Cup. South Korea has reached the finals in 11 straight appearances. The team’s best run came in 2002, as co-host, when South Korea reached the semi-finals. Against that record, the early exit stood out. Expectations had been higher than a group-stage finish.

South Korea World Cup fallout prompts call for review

President Lee Jae Myung called for a review by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The review was asked to examine the national team and its failures. The president also issued an apology. \"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,\" Myung said.

With inputs from PTI