South Koreans take their soccer seriously, there’s no doubt about that.
The country’s national team had quite the disappointing run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the burning crash came to an official end with quite the homecoming. And by homecoming, I mean furious fans booing and protesting the team when they returned back home to Incheon International Airport.
Landing the most negativity was head coach Hong Myung-ho, who put in his resignation Sunday following South Korea failing to get into the knockout stage. Prior to the tournament, the nation had high expectations. (RELATED: Bench-Clearing Scuffle Erupts During Nationals-Red Sox Game After Cade Cavalli Shouts ‘Sit Down, Boy!’)
When Hong was spotted in the airport, fans booed and called for his exit, and in the process of this, he zoomed past journalists and didn’t answer a single question. A secure path was created by police that led the team to the bus from the terminal, with protesters holding signs throwing criticism at Hong and the current status of soccer in South Korea.
“South Korean football is dead,” read one banner as other demonstrators over and over again demanded Hong’s resignation.
WATCH:
South Korea arrived back to a frosty reception following their World Cup group stage exit. pic.twitter.com/qfWLkiiH7j
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 30, 2026
I love the passion here, and to be honest, it’s nice to see something out of South Korea other than K-pop and “Squid Game.” That was my only beef with South Korean culture, I got a “corny” impression for the longest time, but after seeing this?
Okay … I see you, South Korea … y’all know how to take care of serious business after all.