185 police protect South Korea coach returning home
Police deployed 160 riot police, 25 security officers to Incheon Airport to protect coach and national team after World Cup 2026 defeat.
Metropolitan Police Agency said security tightened after online post appeared: "I will go to Incheon Airport on day Hong Myung-bo (South Korea national team coach) returns and kill him."
Although Association did not request personal protection, authorities still escorted Hong from airport through private exit to prevent object-throwing or obstruction.
Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of South Korea national football team, with players and football association officials at Incheon International Airport early morning June 30. Photo: Jang Gyoung-sik
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Around 4:00 AM June 30, Hong Myung-bo and group of players arrived at arrival hall. Long lines of fans gathered hours earlier, carrying banners demanding Hong return 2 billion won salary. Crowd beat drums, booed when team appeared. Hong remained silent, went straight to car, did not answer press.
Public anger peaked when President Lee Jae-myung demanded investigation into team's performance, national television blurred coach's face.
Wave of criticism erupted due to performance deemed "worst in South Korean football history at World Cups." Despite tournament expanding to 48 teams, South Korea stopped at group stage. They won three points after defeating Czech Republic but lost to Mexico and South Africa. This result caused team to drop 7 places to 32nd in FIFA rankings.
During World Cup 2026 campaign, Hong caused controversy with tactical decisions, notably benching Son Heung-min in final match. Public pressure forced him to resign June 28 while team was still in Mexico.
At World Cup 2014, team under his leadership was also eliminated from group stage, players pelted with taffy on return home.
Hong Myung-bo announces resignation as head coach of South Korea team at press conference in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, June 29, after team was eliminated from World Cup 2026 group stage. Photo: Yonhap
Current crisis also stems from management of Korea Football Association (KFA). Seoul Administrative Court ruled recruitment process for Hong and predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann violated regulations. KFA President Chung Mong-gyu admitted bypassing procedures.
South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducting special audit of KFA, police continue investigating 8 complaints related to appointment process.
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