South Korea's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as coach Hong Myung-Bo stepped down following the team's group stage elimination. The Korea Republic opened with a win over Czechia but losses to South Africa and Mexico sealed their fate, with Congo's victory over Uzbekistan officially eliminating them from contention.

President Lee Jae Myung delivered scathing criticism of the football federation's leadership decisions, questioning both the coach's appointment and overall team structure. The head of state, identifying as a lifelong football supporter, called the result deeply disappointing and demanded immediate administrative reforms.

Hong, a former national team captain, previously led South Korea at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they also failed to progress beyond the group stage. His resignation marks another low point for a nation that reached the semifinals when co-hosting in 2002 and has qualified for 11 consecutive World Cups.

The president has ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive review of the national team's failures, signaling potential major changes to South Korean football administration.