By Erestinah Jane, June 29, 2026
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a formal government investigation into the national football team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the campaign as a national failure and directing authorities to examine the management of the Korea Football Association (KFA).
The President’s directive came as head coach Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation on Sunday, taking full responsibility for South Korea’s inability to progress beyond the group stage.
In a statement posted on social media, President Lee apologized to the South Korean public and said he was “utterly baffled” by the team’s performance, insisting that those responsible for the disappointing campaign must be held accountable.
Lee sharply criticized the football federation’s leadership, suggesting that favoritism and cronyism had been allowed to override merit in key appointments.
“When favoritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper,” the President wrote, in what was widely interpreted as a criticism of the process that led to Hong’s appointment in 2024.
The President subsequently instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to launch a comprehensive investigation into the KFA’s administration, including its financial management, governance systems and decision-making processes.
He said the review was necessary because the national team is supported by substantial public funding and taxpayer resources, adding that failures in leadership and administration could not be ignored.
Lee also pledged to pursue broad reforms aimed at strengthening governance, transparency and accountability within South Korea’s sports institutions.
South Korea entered the expanded 48-team World Cup as one of the favourites to qualify from Group A, which also featured co-hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Africa.
The Taeguk Warriors began their campaign on a positive note with a 2-1 victory over Czechia before suffering successive 1-0 defeats against Mexico and South Africa.
The results left South Korea third in the group with three points, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Their elimination was mathematically confirmed on June 27 after Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in another group fixture, closing the door on qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Hours after President Lee’s criticism, Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation during a press conference, saying he accepted full responsibility for the team’s disappointing performance.
“The responsibility rests entirely with me,” Hong said as he confirmed his departure.
Hong’s second spell in charge of the national team had been under intense scrutiny from the outset after his appointment in July 2024 sparked controversy and accusations that the selection process lacked transparency.
His tactical decisions during the World Cup also came under heavy criticism, particularly his decision to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench for the decisive group-stage match against South Africa, a move many analysts and supporters believe contributed to the team’s elimination.
The aftermath of the campaign has also exposed reports of internal tensions within the squad. Local media claimed player morale deteriorated after journalists were overheard discussing Son Heung-min’s mandatory military service during an open training session, prompting players to boycott scheduled media interviews in protest.
Public frustration over the World Cup campaign has been reflected across South Korea, with domestic media heavily criticizing both the coaching staff and football administrators. Reports indicated that Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) even blurred Hong Myung-bo’s face during coverage of his resignation, underscoring the intensity of public anger following the team’s early exit.
The investigation ordered by President Lee is expected to examine not only the circumstances surrounding South Korea’s World Cup performance but also broader structural issues within the Korea Football Association, with the government promising sweeping reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the country’s football administration.
