[Anchor]

Hong Myung-bo, manager of the South Korean national football team, resigned early this morning (June 29). Amid criticism for failing to reach the Round of 32 with such a talented squad, he stated that he takes full responsibility as the manager.

We begin with our first report from reporter Ha Seong-ryong.

[Reporter]

One day after the team's elimination from the Round of 32 was confirmed, Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation, taking responsibility for the poor performance at the World Cup.

[Hong Myung-bo / Former National Football Team Manager: I sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea who love our football and have always supported the national team. Today, I am stepping down from my position as the head coach of the South Korean national football team.]

He made the decision after the team finished third in their group following a 1-0 loss to South Africa—a match considered a must-win—and the subsequent disappearance of any mathematical chance to advance, confirming their exit from the group stage.

However, instead of holding the previously scheduled press conference, Hong only released a statement and did not take any questions.

[Hong Myung-bo / Former National Football Team Manager: I believe the position of manager is one where no explanation can justify the results. Therefore, I stand here today not to offer excuses, but to take responsibility. I failed to deliver the results that the public expected. The responsibility lies entirely with me as the manager.]

Since 2024, Hong had faced intense criticism, starting with the Korea Football Association's appointment process that violated regulations, followed by his decision to accept the national team job just two days after promising he would not leave his club, Ulsan.

[Hong Myung-bo, get out!]

Despite being the first Korean coach to be given a second chance after the failure at the 2014 Brazil tournament, Hong failed to lead what was called a "golden generation"—including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae—past the group stage. Even with what was considered the easiest group draw in history, the team finished 34th due to a lack of tactics and poor performance. He leaves behind a legacy as the manager who oversaw the country's first consecutive group-stage eliminations and the most losses in the tournament's history.

Unable to complete his contract, which ran until January of next year, Hong will return to Korea tomorrow with the national team.

(Video reporting: Hwang In-seok | Video editing: Hwang Ji-young)

Reported by Ha Seong-ryong | Produced by SBS Digital News