A Mexican official has been dismissed from his post after a video showing him making a racist gesture towards a South Korean streamer went viral. Ulises Bernal, who served as president of the Jalisco state association of surveying and geoinformatics engineers, was removed from his position hours after the incident gained widespread attention, according to the New York Post. The association's honor and justice committee convened an urgent meeting, confirming Bernal's immediate removal. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "We are saddened by what is happening regarding this incident".

The incident occurred on 12/6 in Guadalajara during a World Cup 2026 match where South Korea defeated the Czech Republic. Yoon Su-jin, known as 'Incocat_t' to her nearly 9 million followers across TikTok and YouTube, was recording a celebratory video of her team's victory from the stands.

Ulises Bernal making a racist gesture towards South Korean fan Yoon Su-jin. Photo: SPD Noticias

In the video, Bernal, seated behind the streamer, repeatedly made hand gestures and laughed before using two fingers to pull his eyes into a 'slant-eye' gesture, widely considered a derogatory caricature of East Asian people. Upon realizing his actions, Yoon's expression immediately changed, and she looked into the camera with a stunned look.

The streamer later posted the video with a caption in Korean asking, "I traveled so far to Mexico to watch the World Cup 2026, but am I being too sensitive?" In a subsequent post, she expressed her dismay, writing, "You travel halfway around the world to watch the World Cup... and experience racism".

The video quickly garnered millions of views across social media platforms. Many Mexican users extended apologies to Yoon, emphasizing that Bernal's behavior does not represent the country's people. One commenter stated, "That's so rude and completely wrong. I apologize, not all Mexicans are like that". Another added, "There are thoughtless people everywhere. Don't let that ruin your trip. Enjoy the remaining good things".

Following the wave of criticism, Bernal uploaded an apology video to social media. He admitted his actions were inappropriate and expressed deep regret. "Whenever foreigners come to Mexico, we want them to feel at home. But I did the exact opposite", Bernal said in the video posted on his personal page.

Bernal clarified that his apology was not only for Yoon Su-jin but also for the Korean community, the broader foreign community, and Mexican citizens affected by the incident. He also mentioned that he had contacted Yoon Su-jin to arrange a direct meeting and apology. However, the South Korean streamer has not yet commented on this offer.

In his apology video, Bernal stated he had submitted his resignation from his position as president of the Jalisco state association of surveying and geoinformatics engineers. He explained that his resignation aimed to prevent further negative impact on the organization he once led, emphasizing his individual responsibility for his actions. However, the association had already announced his removal from the post prior to his resignation statement.

Bernal's dismissal is widely seen as a decisive move to protect the local image, especially as Mexico is one of the three host nations for the World Cup 2026.

The incident occurred just days before South Korea is scheduled to face host nation Mexico in their second Group A match on 19/6 in Guadalajara. Following the opening matchday, Mexico leads the group after a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while South Korea stands second with a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. This upcoming match is expected to draw significant attention, with relations between fans of the two nations now under scrutiny due to the stadium incident.

Hoang An (according to the New York Post)