South Korean football fans angered by the country’s World Cup first-round exit greeted the returning squad early Tuesday with one message for head coach Hong: his time was up.
Hong, a former national team defender, resigned on Sunday after South Korea finished the group stage with one win and two losses, dashing hopes of a deep run led by captain Son Heung-min.
South Korea crashed out after failing to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The Round of 32 had appeared within reach until a shock 1-0 defeat to lower-ranked South Africa in their final group match ended their campaign.
Hong walked silently out of the arrival gate at Incheon International Airport under heavy media scrutiny, declining to answer reporters’ questions.
Fans booed and chanted “Hong out!” as he made his way out of the airport, but applauded the players who followed
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