ALBAWABA - Resigning coach of South Korea's national football team, Hong Myung-bo, was recently met with a large number of security forces after reports revealed that he received death threats following the country's disqualification from the 2026 World Cup.
The coach faced criticism due to the team's early exit from the global football event, with many fans highlighting the squad's "underwhelming" performance in the group stage, as reported by the BBC.
According to All Out Soccer, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that it dispatched 160 riot and airport police officers after the team arrived in South Korea from Mexico due to threats made against Hong's life.
South Korea coach faces death threats following World Cup loss
The statement read, "We have decided to deploy officers to prevent safety accidents that may occur during the entry process. We will respond strictly to any illegal acts, including the throwing of objects."
According to Korean news agency Yonhap, a troubled football fan took to social media and wrote, "I will take the lead and kill Hong Myung-bo XXX," adding that they are willing to go to Incheon Airport to kill Hong on the day of his return.
If death threats and criticism weren't enough, several shops in the country reportedly banned Hong from entry. Many World Cup viewers condemned the acts, calling them an "overexaggeration" and a "lack of sportsmanship."
South Korea exited the World Cup after losing 1-0 to South Africa, failing to qualify for the knockout stages. Upon returning home, the team was also met with boos and anger from fans.
Captain Son Heung-min apologized for the country's early exit from the World Cup and urged fans to encourage the team rather than criticizing them, adding that he will "run to death" for the nation's football fans.
