Members of the South Korea national team were booed by angry fans on their return to the Asian country following a shocking group stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Drawn in a group alongside Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic, South Korea were widely expected by many football commentators to at least reach the round of 32. However, they managed just one win and suffered two defeats. 

Reports noted that the team chose to arrive in South Korea around 4:00 a.m. (local time) on Tuesday hoping to avoid aggrieved individuals, but met a large crowd waiting for them at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul. 

Video of the arrival reviewed by the Peoples Gazette showed the crowd at the airport loudly jeering the outgoing head coach Hong Myung-bo and several of his players as they made their way through the building under heavy security. 

Myung-bo resigned on Sunday after South Korea’s elimination from the World Cup was confirmed, which sparked criticism of his tactics in South Korea media and among fans, including President Lee Jae Myung.

“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said. 

He added, “Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”

Meanwhile, the team’s captain Son Heung-min has issued a statement on Instagram, apologising to fans over the performance in North America. 

“First of all, I would like to say I am sorry to all the Korean people and to the fans who love football. As a football lover, I think it would have been very unfortunate, frustrating and difficult if I watched this kind of match,” the former Tottenham forward said. 

“Therefore, I don’t dare to convey the disappointment and hurt of the fans with a single word sorry, so even saying those words feel insufficient. I wanted to pass these words on to fans who are having a harder time than anyone with different emotions crossing each day, every second. 

“It was a competition that was more important to me than anyone else, and the ‘child’s dream stage’ that I always talked about has collapsed. I’m indescribably stuck and hurt. To be honest, it’s still not easy to accept this reality,” he noted.