South Korea’s national soccer team concluded a disappointing run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a turbulent homecoming at Incheon International Airport. Furious fans booed the team and protested, expressing their dissatisfaction with the performance and management.
Head coach Hong Myung-ho bore the brunt of the criticism and resigned on Sunday after South Korea failed to advance to the knockout stage. Upon his arrival at the airport, Hong was booed and called to step down by fans. He avoided media questions, quickly moving past journalists.
Police established a secure path from the terminal to the team bus amid protesters holding signs condemning Hong and the state of South Korean soccer. One banner declared, “South Korean football is dead,” while demonstrators repeatedly demanded the coach’s resignation.
The passionate response highlights the seriousness with which South Koreans regard their soccer team, marking a stark contrast to the country’s usual cultural exports like K-pop and “Squid Game.”
— Andrew Powell, Daily Caller
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