Published July 1st, 2026 - 06:55 GMT
ALBAWABA - Following their loss against South Africa and early exit from the World Cup, South Korea's national football team was met with mass criticism, with some fans going as far as posting death threats on social media. From heavy criticism to death threats, the football team was ridiculed on social media and in real life upon their arrival at Incheon International Airportfrom Mexico. Many World Cup viewers highlighted that the fans' behavior was an "overexaggeration" and lacked sportsmanship.Resigning coach Hong Myung-bo faces death threats(Photo by JADE GAO / AFP)The recently resigned 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. 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. Goalkeeper’s pregnant wife targeted by online abuseActress and model Kim Jin Kyung was forced to disable comments on a video documenting her childbirth after heavy criticism of the team’s goalkeeper, Kim Seung-gyu, who missed his wife’s childbirth due to the World Cup.Son Heung-min apologizes for World Cup early exit(Photo by JULIO CESAR AGUILAR / AFP)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.
