Hong Myung-bo, the former head coach of South Korea’s national football team, is being held largely responsible for the team’s disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup. Following the team’s elimination after a 0-1 loss to South Africa, which ended their hopes of advancing, Hong was dismissed at the request of the country’s president and has reportedly received death threats from fans.
Upon returning to South Korea, Hong faced a barrage of hostility. Television networks blurred his image during press conferences, a treatment typically reserved for criminals. Some establishments even posted signs prohibiting his entry.
The uproar reflects deep public frustration over the team’s unexpected failure in Group A, where South Korea finished third with just 3 points, failing to advance to the knockout stage.
Return to South Korea: A Nightmare for Hong
The early exit from the tournament sparked intense public scrutiny directed at Hong. President Lee Jae Myung criticized him and his staff harshly, stating, “When favoritism is prioritized over competence, the outcome is inevitable.” The president emphasized the need for a thorough analysis by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to understand the failures and implement corrective measures.
“I sincerely apologize to supporters for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable defeat. We will commit to swiftly reforming sports administration to prevent such incidents in the future,” the president stated, as cited by sportmediaset.mediaset.it.
In a bid to minimize public confrontation, the South Korean delegation returned home in the middle of the night. However, fans awaited their arrival at the airport, chanting slogans and directing insults at the players and coach.
Concern arose over the numerous online death threats directed at Hong, including a specific threat from a 41-year-old man residing in the United States, who claimed he would kill Hong at Incheon Airport.
Prohibition in Public Venues
Hong’s troubles continued as some television channels blurred his face during press events, a rare practice in South Korea. In Gyeonggi Province, various cafes, bars, and restaurants displayed notices banning him from entering.
Moreover, an online defamation campaign against him has led to the creation of deepfake materials and false news, including claims that he ordered players to flee upon arriving at the airport.
Reflecting on his time as coach, Hong stated, “Taking on the role of head coach was not an easy decision for me. But once I accepted this position, I focused solely on fulfilling my responsibilities. I have continually questioned whether my appointment was the right choice for South Korean football, whether in making important team decisions or preparing for matches.”
