South Korea's early World Cup exit sparked outrage and demands for big changes in nation's football leadership. Team, once 2002 semifinalists, didn't make it past group stage after losing 1-0 to South Africa. Coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday.
President Lee Jae Myung voiced his anger, slamming “incompetent people” in football ranks, apologizing to nation. His words echo public frustration brewing for years,especially after team's lackluster showing.
Fans swarmed Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul venting their anger. Former captain Park Ji-sung bemoaned team's direction. “We may have expected this outcome years ago,” he said,urging a hard look at South Korean football. Started strong with a 2-1 win over Czech Republic, but stumbled against Mexico and South Africa .
As team heads home, local media says Korea Football Association (KFA) won't hold a welcoming event. Reminds of 2014 when fans threw candies at players returning from Brazil.
Hong's time as coach fraught with controversy since taking over July 2024 after Jurgen Klinsmann was let go. Transparency over Hong's reappointment questioned, especially after benching star Son Heung-min in critical South Africa match.
“I was struggling to understand what went wrong,” Hong admitted, as fans hoped other match outcomes might save their chances. Decision to drop Son, team captain, angered supporters, complicating Hong's situation.
Lee Chun-soo, part of 2002 squad, vented on social media,upset at rooting for Uzbekistan against Democratic Republic of the Congo,hoping for a favorable result for South Korea . “This is a message to change,” he declared, calling for accountability in football leadership.
Anger largely aimed at KFA President Chung Mong-gyu,who plans to resign post-tournament. His 13-year run riddled with controversy,like trying to pardon match-fixing players. As criticism grows, Chung's future is in question.
Team captain Son hasn't spoken on his international future, fueling retirement speculation. Park called for a review of past blunders, stressing learning from failures to improve South Korean football . “It’s unfortunate this cycle keeps repeating,” he said, urging collective effort for progress…
