Death threats to former South Korea coach

Death threats aHong Myung-bothe now former coach of South Korea who paid for the national team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup with his resignation. Having failed to qualify among the best third-placed teams, the Asian team has already returned home, unleashing a wave of indignation throughout the country which first overwhelmed the coach.

However, the anger of the fans has been increasing day by day, to the point that the South Korean police has launched an investigation for “death threats”, as reported by Radio Seoul. An internet user allegedly posted a message online on June 28thclaiming to be an American citizen and announcing the his intention to kill the coach upon his arrival at the airport Incheon. The website and several other locations have been placed under surveillance and local law enforcement is actively working to identify the suspect.

Tensions around the national team

The situation illustrates all perfectly tensions that have surrounded the South Korean national team in recent years. Hong Myung-bo took over the leadership of the team in July 2024returning to a bench he had already been sitting on for 19 games between 2013 and 2014, until their elimination in the group stage of 2014 World Cup.

Criticisms of the nomination

This appointment had raised doubts in public opinion about the transparency of the selection process Korean Football Federation. Hong’s return also came after a difficult period for Jurgen Klinsmann in that role, characterized by internal rivalries and disappointing results.