South Korea president Lee Jae Myung says he’s “utterly baffled” on the nationwide crew’s World Cup group-stage exit and known as for the nation’s sports activities ministry to research.
President Lee appeared to criticise the South Korean soccer affiliation’s (KFA) appointment of head coach Hong Myung-bo as he alleged that “competence” had not been prioritised when deciding on a frontrunner.
South Korea’s World Cup exit was confirmed on Saturday as they did not progress to the knockout levels as one of many eight-best third-place groups. Hong’s facet took three factors from their three video games, successful towards Czech Republic however shedding to co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, regardless of being the second-highest ranked crew of their group, to depart their destiny out of their fingers because the group levels concluded.
In a prolonged assertion posted on social media, the president cited the “significant” taxpayer funds used for the crew’s participation, apologised for the “profound disappointment” brought about to the general public and known as for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to research what went improper so the government can reform their sports activities administration.
“I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome—I am utterly baffled,” Lee wrote on X.
He continued: “Given that significant national taxpayer funds and state support resources are invested even in World Cup participation, I ask that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism thoroughly investigate the precise circumstances of this incident, analyse its causes, and develop thorough measures for preventing recurrence and improvement.
Fans celebrate before South Africa-South Korea match
Tomás Hill López-Menchero
“We will swiftly push forward with reforms to sports administration to ensure such a thing never happens again.”
Hong, thought of considered one of Asia’s biggest soccer gamers, returned as South Korea head coach in 2024 after a earlier spell in cost in 2013.
Following his appointment, the sports activities ministry known as on the KFA to overview the choice as they alleged the affiliation broke its personal guidelines and so they discovered it “difficult to see it as a reasonable interview process”, in quotes carried by Reuters. The KFA denied any wrongdoing.
Lee alleged that “it is impossible or difficult to monitor, check, and hold those with appointment authority accountable”. He claimed in deciding on a frontrunner there had been a failure to differentiate between “public and private interests”.
The KFA have been approached for remark by The Athletic.
Hong led South Korea to the 2026 World Cup by going unbeaten in qualification, earlier than their group-stage exit.