Hong Myung-bo leaves after announcing his resignation as head coach of the Korean men's national football team during a press conference at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Mexico, June 29. Yonhap
Sunday brought the end of another Korea national team coach, the 15th permanent manager in the 21st century, though this feels different. Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation on Sunday at a press conference in Zapopan. That was one of the better decisions he made in Mexico as there would have been a media frenzy upon his return home.
It brought to an end an extraordinary few days. Korea's loss to South Africa in the final game was a shock and sent the Taeguk Warriors into third in Group A. There was then an excruciating wait to see if the team would squeeze into the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Fans and players were in limbo, forced to stay in Mexico for four extra days not knowing if there would be a game to play at the end of it.
As the other games were completed, Korea slid down that table and when the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan, the tournament was over.
That was Saturday night local time. By the time the players woke up, President Lee Jae Myung had issued a statement that was devastating to the Korea Football Association (KFA).
