Korea Republic were expected to get out of a Group A that included co-hosts Mexico plus South Africa and Czechia.

But they lost 1-0 to South Africa and Mexico, and finished on three points, their only success a 2-1 win over the Czechs.

"Over the past two years I asked myself the same question whenever I had to make important decisions, select players or prepare for training session and matches: Is this the right choice for Korean football?" Hong told reporters in Mexico.

"I cannot say every decision has been the right one, but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind."

Source: AFP