Read for 2 minutes28 Jun 2026 07:12 PM IST
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung lashed out at coach Hong Myung-bo, accusing selection bias of the country’s group-stage exit from the World Cup. He has also demanded a sports ministry-led inquiry into the team’s performance.
“I am not only shocked by this unexpected result, I am completely shocked,” Lee wrote. X On Sunday, reaction to the team’s early elimination.
South Korea were expected to qualify for the knockout stages from a relatively easy group. But losses to Mexico and South Africa left the Taeguk Warriors with three points and a place in the round of 32 outside the eight best third-placed teams.
“Once again, it’s proven that personnel decisions are everything. When ‘us vs. them’ is prioritized over competence, and an incompetent is chosen as a leader, the result is clear as day,” the Korean president added.
Korean media are already accusing Hong’s reinstatement as national team manager in 2024 of bias and a non-transparent hiring process. Hong had denied the allegations.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a joint press conference. (AP Photo)
“Such prank visits that do not distinguish between public and private interests and fail to prioritize personal benefits over public interests are because it is impossible or difficult to monitor, investigate and hold appointing officials accountable,” Lee added.
A petition to remove Hong, posted on the National Assembly’s website on Thursday, soon gained the signatures needed for a preliminary review, while a social media post showing shops banning Hong from the area has gone viral in the country.
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“The failure to qualify… which has disappointed public sentiment, appears to be the result of organizational and personnel failure,” Lee said. “I request that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism thoroughly investigate the exact circumstances of this incident, analyze its causes and develop measures to prevent recurrence and ensure improvement.”