'Hong Myung-bo Out!': Furious South Korea Fans Protest Coach at Airport After World Cup Exit

Protesters greet returning squad with chants, drums and insults after World Cup exit, while businesses reportedly ban outgoing coach

South Korea's disastrous FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has sparked unprecedented public outrage, with outgoing head coach Hong Myung-bo facing angry protests upon his return to Seoul and reports emerging that some local businesses have even banned him from entering their premises.

Just days after announcing his resignation following South Korea's shock group-stage elimination, Hong returned to Incheon International Airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning hoping for a quiet arrival. Instead, hundreds of furious supporters were waiting.

According to multiple South Korean media outlets, Hong and several players landed shortly after 3 a.m., with airport authorities deploying more than 100 police officers amid fears of unrest.

Fans lined the arrival area beating drums, chanting "Hong Myung-bo out!" and hurling insults as the former coach walked silently through the terminal without answering reporters' questions or addressing supporters.

While Hong was met with boos, many players including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae received applause and messages of encouragement from fans, highlighting that much of the anger was directed at the coach and the Korea Football Association rather than the squad.

Hong leaves without speaking as criticism intensifies

South Korean reports described Hong leaving the airport under heavy security, accompanied by security personnel carrying umbrellas amid concerns objects could be thrown.

Despite having already announced his resignation following the World Cup exit, Hong did not stop to speak with the media or fans and left without making any public remarks.

The airport scene marked his first appearance in South Korea since stepping down after the World Cup, with local reports criticising him for failing to publicly apologise or acknowledge supporters during the brief walk through the terminal.

KFA president also targeted by angry supporters

The criticism extended beyond Hong.

Korea Football Association president Jeong Mong-gyu arrived separately around 40 minutes after the squad had left the airport and was also met by furious protesters.

According to local reports, one supporter was detained after allegedly throwing dog waste in Jeong's direction as fans continued protesting against the KFA leadership over the handling of the national team.

The federation has faced mounting scrutiny over Hong's appointment in 2024, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung already ordering a government investigation into the team's World Cup failure and the administration of Korean football.

Reports claim businesses are banning Hong

As public frustration continues to grow, reports circulating on Korean social media claim that several local business owners have begun displaying notices banning Hong from entering their establishments.

While images of such notices have been widely shared online, the extent of the practice remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation regarding how widespread the reported bans are.

South Korea's World Cup campaign ends in disappointment

South Korea were tipped to reach the knockout stage with a squad featuring experienced stars including Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in.

However, Hong's side managed just one win in the group stage before suffering defeats to Mexico and South Africa, missing out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

The decision to leave Son on the bench for the first half of the decisive defeat against South Africa drew widespread criticism and became one of the defining talking points of South Korea's failed campaign.

Hong resigned shortly after elimination, accepting full responsibility for the team's disappointing performance, but the backlash has continued to intensify as the squad returned home.