On 6/7, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced Park Hang-seo's resignation from his vice presidential role. However, according to Korean media, Park had already submitted his resignation in Mexico on 28/6, after the national team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. On that same day, he bowed in apology on behalf of the KFA and the national team during a press conference.

The former coach of the Vietnam national team took office in 4/2025. He was one of 27 members of the 55th Executive Committee, operating under the direction of President Chung Mong-gyu. Park was responsible for supporting national teams at all levels.

Korea Football Association vice president Park Hang-seo attended a press conference at the Korean national team's training camp in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico on 28/6/2026. Photo: *News1*.

Park's decision to resign also shares a similar reason with that of former Indonesia national team coach Shin Tae-yong, another vice president who previously handled foreign cooperation. Shin resigned earlier this year to return to Indonesia and coach Persija Jakarta club. Before the 2026 World Cup, Park, born in 1959, signed a contract to lead Kanchanaburi club in the Thai First Division from July. After returning to Korea on 30/6, Park traveled to Vietnam to finalize some work before heading to Thailand.

At the 2026 World Cup, South Korea failed to advance despite being in a relatively easy group with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. This led to strong public criticism against the KFA and head coach Hong Myung-bo. Korean President Lee Jae-myung also weighed in, calling for reform and change within the federation.

Before Park's departure, President Chung Mong-gyu and coach Hong had already announced their resignations. Other members of the Executive Committee also faced similar pressure. However, the KFA is not encouraging mass resignations among its leaders due to concerns about a management vacuum, according to Korean newspaper *Newdaily*.

The KFA is also considering appointing an interim coach to lead the national team for the Asian Cup in 1/2027 in Saudi Arabia. South Korea is in Group E with UAE, Vietnam, and Lebanon.

Trung Thu (via Yonhap)