South Korea president says sorry after World Cup exit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed his disappointment on Sunday after the country’s early exit from the World Cup. He blamed “incompetent people” and apologized to the people of South Korea.

South Korea's tough journey in North America ended at the group stage. This might lead to captain Son Heung-min retiring from international football.

After waiting three days to see if they would make it to the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed teams, results did not favor South Korea, sending them home.

Coach Hong Myung-bo, who is not popular, is likely to be fired or resign. The president promised major changes in sports management.

“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” Lee wrote on X.

“I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome.

“We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again,” he added, but did not give more details.

South Korea was close to reaching the last 32 in the World Cup but lost unexpectedly 1-0 to South Africa.

Coach Hong made a surprising choice by putting Son on the bench, a decision that did not work out well.

They ended third in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, also losing 1-0 to Mexico.

They began their World Cup with a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic, but that was the highlight for Hong and the struggling Son.

Back home, the criticism was strong, and Hong was heavily targeted.

Yonhap News Agency described South Korea’s exit as “dismal.”

“The national team suffered the humiliation of a 2026 World Cup group-stage exit after three days of agonizing hope,” Yonhap stated.

South Korea’s tournament was affected by a disagreement between the team and local media. A drone also disrupted an important training session before their loss to Mexico.

Son, who used to play for Tottenham and now plays for Los Angeles FC, has hinted at retiring from international football before.

The daily Sports Chosun believes this might be the end for the player who has been a key figure for South Korea, scoring 56 goals for his country.

“Son Heung-min’s final World Cup ends in heartbreak,” read one headline.

He will be 34 next month.