A Nation Reacts
South Korea’s campaign ended in the group stage, a result that left fans and officials scrambling for answers.
In a televised briefing, President Lee Jae Myung singled out Hong Myung‑bo, the national team’s head coach, for the disappointing performance, describing it as unacceptable.
The remarks ignited a wave of criticism on social media, with many calling for accountability at the highest levels of Korean football.
Echoes of 1994
The fallout has been likened to a 1994 incident in which a Colombian player was shot dead after his country’s early World Cup exit, a parallel that has deepened the sense of national disappointment.
Analysts warn that the resignations could reshape the governance of Korean football and prompt a reassessment of coaching appointments.