South Korea crash out of 2026 World Cup group stage…Hong Myung-bo criticism sparks Kim Byung-hyun apology

South Korea’s national team finished third in their 2026 FIFA World Cup North America group with just 1 win and 2 losses (3 points), bowing out after a 0-1 defeat to South Africa on June 25. The early exit has left fans furious, and the controversy deepened after Kim Byung-hyun’s remarks criticizing former coach Hong Myung-bo sparked a public apology.

Why did Kim Byung-hyun target Hong Myung-bo?

In a YouTube video posted last month titled “My honest take on the 2026 World Cup,” Kim Byung-hyun criticized Hong Myung-bo, saying that “junior players crossed the line” in their criticism. He added, “I’ve never met Hong in person, but as a fellow sports figure it was painful to watch.” Kim also referenced national team goalkeeper Kim Young-gwang’s live-stream outburst of “Hong Myung-bo out,” calling it a breach of sporting basics.

The remarks drew a storm of backlash. Kim later admitted, “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” and posted a public apology video saying, “I didn’t fully understand the context and that was my mistake.”

How have fans reacted? From ‘Hong Myung-bo out’ to fierce criticism

Kim Young-gwang’s “Hong Myung-bo out” chant after the South Africa loss resonated with many fans who felt the coach had underperformed. But Kim Byung-hyun framed the criticism as excessive, escalating the row. Fans countered that his comments showed little grasp of Korea’s football reality.

Kim insisted, “I wasn’t defending anyone,” and “this isn’t a forced apology,” but the response remained icy. He closed by saying, “I’m truly sorry to fans I hurt by speaking without knowing the full picture.” Many have accepted his apology, while calling for sober reflection on the future of Korean football.

What’s next for South Korea? Who replaces Hong Myung-bo?

South Korea’s World Cup campaign ended in bitter group-stage failure. They trail group leaders Mexico by six points. Though the talent pool remains strong, the tournament has exposed clear gaps. The search for Hong Myung-bo’s successor is underway, and the next coach’s appointment will shape the team’s path forward. Can South Korea rise again?