The 57-year-old, who captained South Korea during his playing career, announced his resignation on Sunday, a day after the team’s elimination was confirmed and hours after President Lee Jae Myung publicly criticised the nation’s football leadership.
Hong’s departure marks the second time he has overseen an early World Cup exit, having also failed to guide the Taeguk Warriors beyond the group stage at the 2014 tournament.
South Korea entered the competition with high expectations after being drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic. However, defeats to South Africa and Mexico, both by 1-0 scorelines, left the team with just three points from a lone 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
The results meant South Korea had to rely on finishing among the eight best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage. Those hopes were dashed on Saturday after results in other groups went against them.
Accepting responsibility for the disappointing campaign, Hong reflected on his decisions throughout his tenure.
“Over the past two years I asked myself the same question whenever I had to make important decisions, select players or prepare for training session and matches: Is this the right choice for Korean football?”
“I cannot say every decision has been the right one, but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind.”
His resignation came shortly after President Lee Jae Myung issued a strongly worded statement condemning the team’s performance and the administration of South Korean football.
“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” Lee said in a post on X.
“I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome.
“We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again,” he added, without elaborating.
Hong had already faced intense criticism from supporters and the South Korean media even before the World Cup began. One of the biggest talking points during the tournament was his decision to leave veteran captain Son Heung-min out of the crucial match against South Africa, where a draw would have been enough to secure qualification. The tactical gamble failed as South Korea suffered a defeat that ultimately proved decisive.
Son, who turns 34 next month, is widely expected to have played in his final FIFA World Cup and has previously hinted that he could retire from international football.
Despite stepping down, Hong insisted he would continue supporting the national team from the sidelines.
“Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether,” Hong said.
“I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again.”