Park Hang-seo Apologizes for World Cup Exit, Stands by Hong Myung-bo Amid Criticism

Park Hang-seo, Vice President of the Korea Football Association (KFA) and head of the support staff for the South Korean national football team, bowed his head before the public following the team's worst-ever performance—an elimination in the World Cup group stage.

Park issued an official apology in a statement prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America review press conference, held at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, early this morning (KST).

Appearing at the podium with a stern expression, Park bowed and said, "I offer my deepest apologies for failing to meet the expectations of the people."

[Park Hang-seo / Head of World Cup Support Staff: I thank the citizens who sent their unwavering support throughout the tournament, and I apologize once again with my head bowed.]

Park added, "It is time for the Korea Football Association to prepare for the future through bone-deep reflection and introspection so that Korean football can make a fresh start, overcoming the poor performance in this World Cup."

Despite his busy schedule preparing for a new challenge as the manager of Power FC in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, Park stepped up to serve as the head of the support staff for this World Cup, providing full support to manager Hong Myung-bo.

Even as fierce criticism poured in following the group stage elimination, Park personally read the apology and pledged the KFA's self-reflection.

During the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, Park served as the head coach assisting Guus Hiddink, achieving the SHINHWA (legendary) run to the semifinals alongside Hong, who was the team captain at the time.

Having built a long-standing relationship of trust with Hong, Park appears to have chosen not to turn away from the responsibility and criticism of this defeat, but to share the burden with his junior, Hong.

The team, having confirmed their elimination at their lodging, held a closing ceremony without any separate official events.

A KFA official stated, "Due to difficult local flight conditions and various safety concerns, the team plans to return home quietly without any separate welcome events or media activities."

Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by JIN Yu-jin | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.