South Korea police investigate death threat against Hong Myung-bo after World Cup exit
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hong Myung-bo is under police protection after an alleged online death threat.
- South Korea exited the World Cup after finishing third in Group A.
- President Lee Jae-myung has called for a full review of the national team setup.
The former South Korea captain, regarded as one of the nation's greatest footballers, has faced intense criticism since the Taegeuk Warriors failed to reach the Round of 32.
However, authorities say public anger crossed a dangerous line after an online post threatened to kill Hong upon his return to South Korea.
Police respond to serious online threat
According to local authorities, the threat was posted online by an individual claiming to be a 41-year-old American citizen.The message specifically stated that Hong would be attacked at Incheon International Airport when the team arrived home.
Police are now working to identify the suspect and are considering criminal intimidation charges.
Security has also been strengthened at Incheon Airport and other locations linked to Hong's return as officers assess the credibility of the threat.
The investigation marks a significant escalation in the fallout surrounding South Korea's World Cup campaign.
Tournament ends in disappointment
South Korea began the tournament with genuine optimism after defeating Czechia 2-1 in their opening Group A fixture.Progression to the knockout stage looked well within reach, but back-to-back defeats against co-hosts Mexico and South Africa ended those hopes.
The final 1-0 loss to South Africa proved particularly damaging, leaving Hong's side narrowly eliminated on goal difference among the third-placed teams.
One of the biggest talking points was Hong's decision to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench for the decisive match against South Africa.
The move drew fierce criticism from supporters and quickly became a focal point of the backlash.
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Read This Next →Public anger intensifies
The criticism soon extended far beyond football.Edited images circulated online falsely suggesting Hong had instructed players to disperse immediately after landing in South Korea.
Meanwhile, reports also claimed that notices reading "Hong Myung-bo banned" had appeared at several restaurants and cafés across Gyeonggi Province.
An online petition demanding Hong's dismissal rapidly gathered enough public support to trigger an official review by South Korea's National Assembly.
Despite the widespread criticism, the emergence of direct threats against Hong has shifted attention away from sporting debate and towards ensuring his safety.
President calls for investigation
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly condemned the team's performance and ordered a comprehensive review of the national football programme.In a strongly worded statement, Lee questioned both the team's performances and the process that led to Hong's appointment.
I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome, I am utterly baffled.The president instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the team's World Cup campaign, analyse the reasons behind the failure, and introduce reforms aimed at preventing similar disappointments in the future.
Lee also criticised what he described as appointments based on loyalty rather than ability, arguing that sporting leadership should always prioritise competence and accountability.
Hong Myung-bo announces his resignation
Less than 24 hours after South Korea's elimination was officially confirmed, Hong announced his resignation during a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.Reading from a prepared statement, the 57-year-old accepted full responsibility for the team's failure.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere apologies to everyone who loves Korean football and has always supported our national team.Hong explained that every decision he made during his two-year spell in charge was driven by what he believed was best for Korean football.
He acknowledged that not every decision had been correct but insisted he never lost sight of his responsibility to the national team.
We were unable to achieve the results that the Korean people expected from us at this World Cup. That responsibility rests entirely with me as the head coach.The resignation ends Hong's second spell as South Korea boss. His first tenure also concluded immediately after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, following another disappointing campaign.
Another coaching exit at the 2026 World Cup
Hong becomes one of several head coaches to leave their position during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Scotland's Steve Clarke stepped down after his side's group-stage exit, Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi after just one match, whilst Marcelo Bielsa is expected to leave Uruguay following their disappointing campaign.
However, none of those departures has unfolded under circumstances as extraordinary as those surrounding Hong.
What began as frustration over disappointing performances has escalated into a criminal investigation, with South Korean authorities now focused on protecting the former national captain whilst pursuing the individual responsible for the online threat.
As the country reflects on another painful World Cup exit, the conversation has moved beyond football and into questions surrounding public safety, accountability and the limits of fan behaviour.
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