SEOUL, June 29 — South Korea’s dismal World Cup first-round exit has sparked fury at home, with calls for a sweeping overhaul of football leadership despite coach Hong Myung-bo’s resignation.

South Korea, semi-finalists as co-hosts in 2002, crashed out after failing to progress from the group stage, missing out on the last 32 as one of the top third-placed teams.

“We may have expected this outcome years ago.”

The comment came from former captain Park Ji-sung, who said South Korean football had been repeating the same mistakes for too long.

South Korea’s exit was sealed after a shock 1-0 defeat to lower-ranked South Africa, despite a group that also included Mexico and the Czech Republic.

Hong stepped down on Sunday, but public anger has continued to mount, with even the country’s president Lee Jae Myung criticising “incompetent people” and issuing an apology to the nation.

“It’s unfortunate that this kind of cycle keeps repeating,” said Park Ji-sung.

The former Manchester United midfielder added: “We must dream of and shape a better future, and move forward step by step so that we don’t repeat these mistakes.”

The team had briefly revived hopes with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic but collapsed with defeats to Mexico and South Africa.

Hong’s decision-making came under scrutiny, particularly his choice to drop captain Son Heung-min for the decisive match, which required at least a draw to advance.

Son’s future in international football now hangs in the balance, with the 34-year-old yet to confirm whether he will continue.

Public frustration has also been directed at Korea Football Association (KFA) president Chung Mong-gyu, who previously signalled he would step down after the tournament amid criticism of his long tenure.

Former players have joined the criticism, with ex-captain Lee Chun-soo calling the situation a “message to change” and urging systemic reform.

“I felt pathetic and frustrated rooting for Uzbekistan against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the hope that the result would send South Korea through.”

South Korea’s early elimination has revived memories of past World Cup disappointments, including their group-stage exit in 2014 under Hong’s previous stint in charge.

“We have to look back and ask ourselves why things have come to this,” said Park Ji-sung.

“We have forgotten those lessons once again.” — AFP