Hong Myung-bo ‘banned’ by shops as police probe follows South Korea’s World Cup exit | OneFootball

South Korea’s group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup has triggered a fierce backlash at home. Head coach Hong Myung-bo, 57, has been barred by numerous businesses and his face has reportedly been blurred on television. He has since left his post.

According to Radio Seoul, he is the subject of a South Korean police investigation into death threats. Their campaign opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, before 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa ended hopes of reaching the knockouts. They had progressed beyond the group stage in Qatar four years earlier.

At home, frustration quickly hardened into anger towards the coach, with some restaurants and cafes displaying notices that he is not welcome. Certain bus operators have posted messages refusing him boarding and service.

As he left the role, Hong said the decision to take the job had not been easy, and that once he accepted it he thought only about carrying responsibility to the very end.

South Korea’s president also weighed in, arguing that when an incompetent person is chosen to lead, the result is obvious.

Source: Le Progres