South Korea demands change after dismal World Cup exit

South Korea's national football team faced a storm of public backlash upon its return from the FIFA World Cup 2026, with fans directing their anger primarily toward head coach Hong Myung-bo. The team's early exit from the tournament—after finishing second in their group with just one win and two losses—left many supporters disillusioned and frustrated. Hong, who had taken charge of the team in 2024, announced his resignation shortly after the group stage concluded, but the reaction from fans suggested that his departure would not be enough to quell the discontent surrounding the campaign.

The team arrived at Incheon International Airport on June 30, 2026, where they were met by a large crowd of fans. While the players received applause and expressions of gratitude, Hong was subjected to loud boos and chants calling for his removal. Fans waved banners reading "South Korean football is dead" and "Hong, you must quit," emphasizing their belief that the coach bore significant responsibility for the team's failure. The atmosphere at the airport was tense, with police setting up barriers to manage the crowd and ensure the safety of both the players and the protesters.

Hong's resignation came after a controversial loss to South Africa in the final group match, which effectively sealed South Korea's fate in the tournament. Despite his acknowledgment that he struggled to understand what had gone wrong, many fans felt that his explanation fell short of addressing their concerns. One critic, Kim Gi-mo, questioned the sincerity of Hong's resignation, noting that his demeanor during the announcement seemed inconsistent with genuine remorse.

Criticism of Hong was not new. This was not the first time he had faced public hostility after a disappointing international campaign. In 2014, during his previous tenure as national team coach, fans had thrown Korean sweets at the team after they failed to advance beyond the group stage during the World Cup in Brazil. This history of controversy added weight to the current situation, with many questioning whether the Korea Football Association (KFA) had made the right choice in selecting Hong for the 2026 campaign.

The KFA had not organized an official welcome ceremony for the returning squad, further fueling speculation about the organization's stance on the outcome of the World Cup. Critics had previously raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the appointment process, suggesting that the decision to entrust Hong with leading the team might have been flawed from the outset.

Despite the disappointment, the squad was considered one of the most talented generations in South Korean football history. Players such as Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in were expected to carry the team forward, with many believing that the group had the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. However, expectations were dashed when Hong decided to substitute Son in the crucial match against South Africa, a move that left many fans stunned and deeply upset.

The decision to bench Son, who was seen as the face of South Korean football and likely playing his final World Cup, became a focal point of criticism. Many supporters believed that this tactical choice was a turning point in the team's performance, ultimately leading to their elimination. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the World Cup, the spotlight remains firmly on Hong and the broader issues facing South Korean football.