South Korea head coach faces death threats after World Cup group-stage exit | OneFootball

South Korea’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after a 1-0 defeat by South Africa. Police have opened an investigation into threats made against head coach Hong Myung-bo, according to Radio Seoul.

The Taeguk Warriors failed to rank among the best third-placed teams and have already headed home. Hong has faced heavy criticism, sometimes even being refused entry to certain shops, and has resigned.

An online post dated 28 June claimed to be from an American citizen and stated an intention to kill the coach on his arrival at Incheon airport. The website and several other sites have been placed under surveillance, and officers are working to identify the suspect.

The episode underlines the tension around the national team in recent years. Hong returned as head coach in July 2024, having previously overseen 19 matches from 2013 to 2014, a tenure that ended with a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup.

His latest appointment prompted public doubts about the transparency of the Korea Football Association’s hiring process. It also followed a difficult stint for Jürgen Klinsmann, which was marked by internal rivalries and poor results.

Source: L'Équipe