South Korea Football Investigation
South Korea's President Calls for Probe into Poor World Cup Performance and Coach Selection
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South Korea's football coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on June 28, 2026, after the national team crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage, winning just three points from three matches. President Lee Jae-myung called Hong
The fallout was swift and severe. President Lee ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to audit the Korea Football Association's use of taxpayer funds, according to CTV News. At Incheon Airport, security was increased after death threats were made against Hong, according to live research.
How South Korea Crashed Out of Group A
South Korea opened with a 2-1 win over Czechia on June 12, raising hopes. Then came a 0-1 loss to co-host Mexico on June 18. In a must-win final group game on June 24, Hong benched captain Son Heung-min in a tactical gamble. South Korea lost 0-1 to South Africa. They finished third in Group A with a goal difference of -1.
South Korea still had a slim chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams. That hope died on June 27, when the Democratic Republic of Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1. South Korea ranked 10th among 12 third-place teams. Only the top eight advanced. Their World Cup was over.
President Lee Calls Hong 'Incapable,' Demands Answers
President Lee did not hold back. He called the result
Lee also questioned why Hong was hired in the first place. A prior audit found that KFA President Chung Mong-gyu bypassed standard hiring rules in July 2024. International candidates like David Wagner and Jesse Marsch were reportedly passed over. Lee's statement landed the same morning Hong resigned, according to WFMZ.
Hong's Troubled History Makes His Hiring Look Worse
This is not Hong Myung-bo's first failure as South Korea's coach. He managed the team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they earned just one draw and lost twice. He resigned then too, amid a scandal over a post-elimination party with staff. He played in four World Cups as a player, earning respect. But his coaching record told a different story.
Former captain Park Ji-sung said on JTBC that the exit was
What Comes Next for South Korean Football
Hong resigned taking
The KFA now faces a government audit of its 2024-2026 financial and administrative records. There are also fears that direct government interference could violate FIFA rules, which ban state interference in football bodies. A breach could risk South Korea's eligibility for future tournaments. Meanwhile, Son Heung-min, 34, is reportedly weighing international retirement, marking the possible end of South Korea's
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