South Korean football team returns to jeers after World Cup qualification failure

South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo and a contingent of players arrived at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday, facing the disappointment of fans after the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The atmosphere at the airport was somber as Hong and players including Cho Hyun-woo, Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, Hwang Hee-chan, Baek Seung-ho, Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Kang-in, and Seol Young-woo disembarked. The team's performance in the World Cup qualifiers has drawn criticism, leading to audible jeers from some supporters present to greet them.

Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu also made his arrival, reportedly following the team's contingent and keeping a low profile. The early exit from the World Cup qualification stage marks a significant setback for South Korean football, prompting questions about the team's future direction and performance.