On June 28, 2026, Hong Myung Bo, the head coach of the South Korean national football team, announced his resignation just hours after the team's elimination from the World Cup 2026. South Korea finished third in Group A and did not qualify among the best third-placed teams for the knockout stage.

In a statement released on the evening of June 28, Hong expressed his regret, saying, "First of all, I want to apologize to those who love South Korean football. I officially resign as head coach of the national football team from today." He acknowledged the difficulty of taking on the role and emphasized his commitment to achieving the goals set for South Korean football.

Hong Myung Bo, who has a storied history with the national team, having captained South Korea during their remarkable run in the 2002 World Cup, has been at the helm since 2024. Under his leadership, the team achieved a win rate of 57.7%. However, following the team's loss to South Africa, he faced significant criticism from fans.

In his resignation announcement, Hong stated, "I want to talk about responsibility rather than making excuses. I take full responsibility for not meeting public expectations. I am grateful to everyone who stood by us, including players, coaching staff, and support teams. Although I resign today, I will continue to support the national team, hoping for its revival to repay the love of our fans once again."

At 57, Hong remains a legendary figure in South Korean football, and his departure marks a significant moment for the national team as they look to rebuild after a disappointing World Cup campaign.