South Korea lands at Incheon Airport amid boos

South Korea (the Taegeuk Warriors) touched down at Incheon International Airport in the early hours of July 30, just after the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage exit. Hong Myung‑bo resigned and returned with nine players within 24 hours, meeting a chorus of boos from fans. Currently the team sits 3rd with 3 points (1‑0‑2) and a recent form of loss‑win‑loss (L L W).

Why did the homecoming spark such a reaction?

In the group, Korea beat the Czech Republic 2‑1 but fell 0‑1 to Mexico and South Africa. Although eight third‑place teams could advance, South Korea ranked 10th among them and was eliminated. This loss follows a 1‑0 win over Ghana on November 18, 2025, marking the first defeat since then. The squad has scored 2 goals and conceded 3 (‑1 goal difference). Fans especially chanted against the fact that “Hong resigned yet the team still gets blamed,” fueling the tension.

Hong Myung‑bo’s resignation and the road ahead

Hong announced his resignation at a press conference immediately after the match, saying, “I take responsibility for the result.” His departure shook the squad, making the appointment of a new coach urgent. The Korean Football Association has released a shortlist of candidates, focusing on coaches with overseas experience. Meanwhile, the team is revising its long‑term plan to address tactical flaws exposed in the tournament.

What’s next and what fans expect?

South Korea trails group leaders Mexico by 6 points and will now focus on the 2026 Asian Cup and the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. Forward Kim Min‑jae, who helped the side record three straight wins in the last five matches (WWWLD), is expected to keep his scoring touch next season. Supporters hope a new manager will revive the squad. This episode signals a turning point for Korean football.