Hong Myung bo (Image Via Getty)South Korea’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has turned into a major controversy back home. Head coach Hong Myung-bo is facing heavy criticism after the team failed to reach the Round of 32 despite opening the tournament with a win over the Czech Republic. Reports also claimed that Hong flew to the United States to be with his family instead of returning to South Korea immediately, adding more fuel to the public anger. According to Dexerto, the reaction became so serious that extra security was arranged when the national team returned home. Hong Myung-bo’s World Cup campaign sparks public anger across South KoreaSouth Korea began its campaign on a positive note by beating the Czech Republic 2-1. However, back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Mexico and South Africa ended the team’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Many supporters believed this squad had enough quality to go much further, making the group-stage exit even harder to accept. The criticism quickly moved beyond results. Dexerto reported that some shops even displayed signs banning Hong from entering. At the same time, angry messages spread across social media, and reports of threats against the coach forced authorities to prepare for possible trouble when the team landed at Incheon Airport.According to reports, around 160 riot and airport police officers were deployed to keep the situation under control. Officials also warned that they would take action against anyone involved in illegal behavior, including throwing objects at the team or staff. President Lee Jae-myung orders investigation as Hong Myung-bo accepts responsibilityThe backlash soon reached the country’s political leadership. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly criticized Hong, calling him “incapable” and questioning the process that brought him back as national team coach. He also ordered an investigation into the hiring process and asked officials to examine what went wrong during the World Cup campaign. Hong later addressed the media and accepted full responsibility for the disappointing tournament.“I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me,” he said while apologizing to supporters. He also said he would explain more about the situation later. Images shared online showing Hong at an airport wearing a cap and face mask, along with pictures of a departing airplane, added to the viral claim that he had “fled” after the team’s elimination. While that narrative spread widely online, the main focus in South Korea remains the team’s poor World Cup performance and the growing calls for changes within the country’s football leadership.