Intro:

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo vows to become a "better person" as he resigns after a disappointing World Cup.

Script:

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of South Korea after a disappointing World Cup.

The decision comes as something of a shock as the association backed him only last week to lead them into next year's Asia Cup.

He was clearly moved at the news conference in Seoul where he announced he was stepping down.

SOUNDBITE (Korean) Hong Myung-bo, former South Korean head coach:

"As of today, I will be resigning from my position, and I will make efforts to become a better person"

"The competing power, technicalities, and functions had many problems, and I have made specific judgments and ultimately reached a decision. Every moment, I believed was the best choice, however the consequences were a failure. I would like to deliver my apologies to the South Korean citizens and the football fans as well."

Hong was captain of the South Korea side that reached the semi-finals in 2002 but as manager he lost two of three group matches in Brazil and saw his side go out of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Russia.