South Korea fans boo coach Hong Myung-bo after World Cup exit

South Korean football fans greeted the national squad's return from the FIFA World Cup with anger and disappointment, directing their ire primarily at head coach Hong Myung-bo. Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday, fans booed Hong and chanted "Hong out!" as he exited the terminal.

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Hong out!

Hong, a former national team defender, had announced his resignation on Sunday after South Korea finished their World Cup campaign with one win and two losses, failing to advance past the group stage. The team's hopes were dashed by a crucial 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their final group match. While the players received some applause, the coach bore the brunt of the fans' frustration.

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Thanks for all your hard work!

Protesters held banners with messages such as "South Korean football is dead" and "Hong, you must quit." One fan, Kim Gi-mo, expressed skepticism about Hong's resignation, telling AFP, "I question whether his resignation was sincere, given his attitude when he made the announcement." He added, "He ruined this festival that only comes once every four years. I came here to see the person responsible for that."

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South Korean football is dead

Questions had previously surrounded Hong's appointment in 2024, with critics citing a lack of transparency in the selection process. This is not the first time Hong has faced a hostile reception; in 2014, angry supporters threw Korean sweets at the team after their group stage elimination during his previous tenure as national coach.

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Hong, you must quit