Upon the South Korean national football team's return after a disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign, 185 police officers were deployed to Incheon airport to ensure the safety of coach Hong Myung-bo and the squad. This heightened security was prompted by an online death threat against Coach Hong, stating, "I will go to Incheon airport on the day Hong Myung-bo (South Korea national team coach) returns and kill him".

Despite the Korea Football Association (KFA) not formally requesting personal protection, authorities took proactive measures. They escorted Hong through a private exit at the airport to prevent any incidents, such as fans throwing objects or obstructing the team's passage.

Hong Myung-bo, former coach of the South Korea national football team, along with players and football federation officials at Incheon international airport in the early morning of 30/6. Photo: Jang Gyoung-sik

Around 4h on 30/6, Hong Myung-bo arrived at the arrivals hall with a group of players. A large crowd of angry fans had gathered hours earlier, holding banners demanding that Hong return 2 billion won in salary. The crowd beat drums and booed loudly as the team appeared. Hong remained silent, walking directly to his car without speaking to the press.

Public outrage escalated significantly following the team's performance. President Lee Jae Myung called for an investigation into the team's showing, and the national television station even blurred the coach's face during broadcasts.

The wave of criticism erupted due to what was widely considered "the worst performance in South Korean football history at World Cups". Despite the tournament expanding to 48 teams, South Korea exited in the group stage. They earned three points after a win against the Czech Republic but subsequently lost to Mexico and South Africa. This poor result caused the team to drop 7 places, to 32nd on the FIFA rankings.

During his leadership at the World Cup 2026, Hong's tactical decisions drew considerable controversy, most notably benching star player Son Heung-Min in the final match. Public pressure ultimately forced him to resign on 28/6, while the team was still in Mexico.

This is not the first time a team under Hong's management has faced such a reaction. At the World Cup 2014, the team he led was also eliminated in the group stage, and players had sticky candies thrown at them upon their return home.

Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation as head coach of the South Korea team at a press conference in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on 29/6, after the team was eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup 2026. Photo: Yonhap

The current crisis also extends to the management practices of the Korea Football Association (KFA). The Seoul Administrative Court concluded that the recruitment process for Hong and his predecessor, Jurgen Klinsmann, violated established regulations. KFA President Chung Mong-gyu openly admitted to bypassing standard procedures in these appointments.

In response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea is initiating a special audit of the KFA. Concurrently, police are continuing to investigate 8 complaints related to this controversial appointment process.

Minh Phuong (According to Chosun, Koreaherald, The Sun)