South Korea’s early exit from the 2024 World Cup has triggered widespread criticism and political fallout, with the national team’s elimination prompting calls for an investigation and reform within the Korea Football Association (KFA). The team's failure to advance beyond the group stage has exposed deeper issues related to management decisions and governance in South Korean football.

Competing in Group A, South Korea opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but subsequently lost 1-0 to both Mexico and South Africa. These two defeats placed the team third in the group, preventing qualification for the knockout rounds under the expanded 48-team format. The squad, dubbed a “golden generation” by domestic media for featuring prominent players such as forward Son Heung-min, midfielder Lee Kang-in, and defender Kim Min-jae, entered the tournament with heightened expectations. The 1-0 loss to South Africa became a focal point of criticism, particularly toward head coach Hong Myung-bo for leaving Son on the bench at the start of the match, only bringing him on in the second half when the score was still level. Hong defended the decision by saying he had intended to use Son against a tired opposition, but acknowledged he would have chosen differently in hindsight.

Public frustration extends beyond the results on the pitch. Questions surrounding the KFA’s handling of the national team have intensified, particularly regarding contentious coaching appointments. Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German striker, was hired as national coach in 2023 but fired after just one year. Hong Myung-bo’s reappointment in July 2024 sparked debate, especially after reports that the KFA had abandoned a months-long search for foreign candidates and swiftly appointed Hong following a brief interview. Hong, a respected figure who captained South Korea to a 2002 World Cup semi-final and led the team to an Olympic bronze medal in 2012, had previously resigned as national coach after the 2014 World Cup group stage exit. His recent return to the role drew criticism from former players and lawmakers alike, including Park Joo-ho, who publicly questioned the transparency of the selection process.

In response to these concerns, South Korea’s sports ministry announced in October 2024 that the KFA had breached its own appointment rules in hiring both Klinsmann and Hong. While acknowledging procedural flaws, the ministry stopped short of annulling Hong’s contract, citing a lack of evidence of illegal practices. The controversy led to a parliamentary hearing in September 2024, where KFA president Chung Mong-gyu and Hong testified. Chung admitted that the association had not been flawless but insisted it had followed regulations and worked diligently. Hong described his role as a “final service” to Korean football.

Following mounting pressure, Chung declared his intention to step down after the World Cup. Prior to the tournament, police had launched an inquiry into allegations of improper interference in Hong’s appointment, though no criminal charges have been filed. Legal challenges have also targeted the KFA, with a court ruling in April 2024 identifying procedural shortcomings in Hong’s appointment process and directing disciplinary action against Chung. The KFA has appealed the ruling. Further complaints have been lodged since the World Cup.

President Lee Jae Myung expressed his dismay on social media, attributing South Korea’s failure to personnel choices influenced by loyalty and factionalism rather than merit. He called on the sports ministry to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend measures to prevent future failures. The governing Democratic Party intends to hold additional parliamentary hearings to scrutinize the World Cup outcomes and KFA governance.

Following South Korea’s elimination, Hong resigned from his post, accepting responsibility for the team’s performance. Upon the squad’s return to Seoul, fans greeted the players with applause but voiced their dissatisfaction with the coach, including booing and displaying banners declaring “South Korean football is dead.” Many supporters emphasize that their frustration stems less from the match results than from concerns over opaque administrative practices, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture within football leadership.

Hong departed for the United States shortly after his resignation, with no clear indication of when he will return. As South Korea looks ahead, key questions remain regarding the future leadership of the national team, potential structural reforms within the KFA, and efforts to restore public trust before forthcoming international competitions.