Overview
- South Korea were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the group stage after a win over Czechia and losses to Mexico and South Africa, and Hong resigned as head coach taking personal responsibility for the team’s failure.
- A civic group has filed new criminal complaints naming Hong and senior KFA figures with allegations including coercion, obstruction of business and breach of duty, and police investigations that began before the tournament remain open.
- Hong travelled to Los Angeles this week and was not reported as blocked from leaving South Korea while scrutiny of his 2024 appointment continues and no criminal findings have yet been announced.
- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has ordered a special audit of the Korea Football Association and formed a temporary K‑Football Innovation Committee co‑chaired by Culture Minister Chae Hwi‑young and Park Ji‑sung to recommend governance, youth development and technology reforms.
- Public anger over opaque coach hires and perceived cronyism in the KFA has driven political action including planned parliamentary hearings and could lead to legally driven changes to appointment rules and federation oversight.