SEOUL (SOUTH KOREA) (ITALPRESS) – South Korea’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the group stage with a 1-0 defeat against South Africa. Having failed to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, the Asian squad has already returned home, sparking a wave of outrage across the country. Head coach Hong Myung-bo, who faced intense criticism, has already resigned. However, fan anger has escalated further, prompting South Korean police to launch an investigation into “death threats” made against the former coach, according to Radio Seoul. An internet user reportedly posted a message online on June 28 claiming to be a U.S. citizen and announcing an intention to kill the coach upon his arrival at Incheon Airport. The website and various other locations have been placed under surveillance, and local law enforcement is actively working to identify the suspect.

The situation perfectly illustrates all the tensions that have surrounded the South Korean national team in recent years. Hong Myung-bo took charge of the team in July 2024, returning to a role he had previously held for 19 matches between 2013 and 2014—a stint that ended with the team’s elimination in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. This appointment raised public doubts regarding the transparency of the Korean Football Association’s selection process. Hong’s return also followed a difficult tenure for Jürgen Klinsmann, which was marked by internal rivalries and disappointing results.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews