South Korean national team coach resigns following World Cup exit

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of the South Korean national football team following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup group stage. The team finished outside the qualifying positions in a group that included Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa. Upon the team's arrival at Incheon International Airport on June 30, 2026, Hong and the players were met with intense hostility and verbal abuse from fans. The situation escalated to include death threats against the coach, prompting a police investigation into a reported threat made online by a 41-year-old individual. Political tensions also surfaced, as President Lee Jae-myung publicly criticized the coach, alleging incompetence and nepotism in personnel decisions. Local media and broadcasters, such as KBS, reacted to the fallout by blurring the coach's image during coverage, while some public venues in Gyeonggi province reportedly barred his entry. Hong, who was appointed in July 2024, had previously faced scrutiny over his recruitment process.