On the 28th, South Korean Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hyun-yong posted a message on the X platform, reporting to President Lee Jae-myung regarding the halt of the South Korean team's participation in the World Cup group stage.
According to Cui Huiyong, he attended the APEC Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Macau, China earlier on. When issuing this report, he had just arrived at Incheon International Airport and received instructions from Lee Jae-myung. Therefore, he is submitting this report.
Cui Huiyong wrote, 'His Excellency the President, in order to reignite the hopes and pride of all citizens, will push forward the comprehensive reform of the entire football administration with determination. We will form a committee composed of experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the reasons and circumstances behind this painful outcome. We will hold those responsible for the incompetence and negligence uncovered during this process accountable.'
Cui Huiyong said that in order to ensure that the Korean Football Association can be operated transparently and fairly by football professionals in the future, and to faithfully fulfill its functions, he will strengthen administrative guidance, as well as establish corresponding supervision and disciplinary systems.
"Simultaneously, we will leverage the setbacks and suffering from this event as an opportunity to review and improve our youth development system, enhance referee skills, and strengthen technological infrastructure support. I will fully dedicate myself and provide necessary support for a fundamental transformation of South Korea's football model, until it achieves its rightful place on the world stage once again. I shall persevere in my efforts."
"The dream of the strong 32 is shattered." Choi Huiyong was feeling upset after seeing that South Korea had been eliminated from the tournament. He shared his feelings with a post on X platform, expressing regret with phrases like "Too regrettable," and “My heart feels like being stabbed.” Lee Jae-min retweeted Choi's message and said, "I am both confused and absurd by the unexpected outcome, and I promise to push for reforms in sports administration."
On the 28th, in the World Cup group stage between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Congo (Republic of the Congo) defeated Uzbekistan with a score of 3-1. As a result, South Korea dropped out of the best third-place qualification zone and missed the knockout stage.
The Korea Football Association announced that head coach Hong Myung-pyo and 8 players will return to their countries on June 30, while the remaining players are scheduled to arrive on July 1. There will be no official welcome ceremony at Incheon International Airport for the team. This is the first time since 2002 that the Football Association has not organized any celebration for the national team returning from the World Cup.
