160 riot police deployed as death-threat coach Hong Myung-bo returns to South Korea after World Cup exit

More than 160 riot police officers were deployed to Incheon airport on Tuesday as South Korea’s World Cup squad returned home, following death threats directed at now-resigned coach Hong Myung-bo after the team’s group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed the deployment in a statement, saying: “We have decided to deploy officers to prevent safety accidents that may occur during the entry process. We will respond strictly to any illegal acts, including the throwing of objects.” A further 25 specialist security guards were also assigned to accompany the riot officers.

Hong had already stepped down at a press conference in Mexico on Sunday, becoming the fourth coach to resign in the wake of a disappointing campaign. South Korea opened with a 2-1 victory over Czechia but suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa, ending their tournament before the knockout rounds and leaving them unable to qualify as one of the top eight third-place finishers.

The early exit triggered an immediate public backlash. A petition demanding Hong’s removal circulated rapidly among furious supporters, while South Korean President Lee Jae-myung voiced his disbelief on social media. “I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome, I am utterly baffled,” Lee wrote on X. “Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions are everything. When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”

Reports also emerged that Hong had been turned away from shops and restaurants in South Korea, illustrating how sharply his public standing had fallen. His appointment in 2024 had itself been contentious, with Korean media raising accusations of favouritism and a lack of transparency in the hiring process — all of which Hong denied at the time.

This was Hong’s second stint in charge of the national side. He previously led South Korea to the 2014 World Cup before stepping down from the role.

In his resignation statement, Hong sought to draw a distinction between leaving the job and abandoning the sport. “Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether,” he said. “I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again.”