Police were deployed at Incheon International Airport in Seoul to protect South Korea’s national football team and head coach Hong Myung-bo from hostile fans following their early exit from the World Cup in North America. Supporters, many of whom had waited until 4 a.m. to greet the team, expressed their anger with boos, chants, and banners condemning the squad’s performance.

The team’s elimination in the group stage marked a disappointing tournament for South Korea, which had initially been optimistic about advancing from a group seen as comparatively manageable. After opening with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, the team suffered consecutive defeats to Mexico and South Africa by 1-0 margins. While a draw in the final match might have been sufficient for South Korea to move forward as one of the best third-placed teams, results from other fixtures ultimately sealed their fate.

Hong Myung-bo, who resigned following the team’s final loss, faced intense public criticism, including chants of "Hong Myung-bo get out!" and calls for him to take responsibility. One protester, wearing a black armband, held a banner that read “Korean football is dead.” The coach was also subject to death threats, prompting enhanced police protection during the team’s arrival. President Yoon Suk-yeol publicly labeled Hong an incompetent leader and ordered an official inquiry into his appointment.

Hong’s tenure as coach had been contentious from the beginning, particularly given his previous record in 2014, when he failed to secure a win. His management style and strategic decisions drew scrutiny throughout the tournament, especially after he stated, “I don’t know why we lost,” following the defeat to South Africa.

Former national player Lee Young-pyo described the team’s performance as “the worst match by a Korean football team in the 21st century” during a broadcast on KBS television. Sports commentator Ahn Min-ho called the tournament “the most grotesque World Cup Korea has ever experienced,” highlighting both Hong’s controversial appointment and the team’s poor showing.

The controversy surrounding Hong’s selection has sparked further backlash, with at least eight legal complaints filed with Seoul police alleging that the Korean Football Association chose him over candidates with stronger credentials and more experience. The reasons for his appointment remain unclear, fueling ongoing debate within South Korea’s football community.