South Korea has deployed more than 160 riot police officers at the airport ahead of the national football team's return from the World Cup, following death threats made against former manager Hong Myung-bo. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed the security operation, which also includes 25 specialist security personnel, to prevent any disturbances as the squad touches down.
Death Threats Prompt Heavy Security
The police statement read: "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." The measures come after Hong Myung-bo allegedly received death threats following South Korea's group stage elimination from the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Hong stepped down from his role after the team failed to advance, making him the fourth manager to leave his position after an underwhelming tournament. His departure was announced at a press conference in Mexico on Sunday.
World Cup Campaign Collapses
South Korea began their World Cup campaign encouragingly, beating Czechia 2-1. However, back-to-back 1-0 losses to Mexico and South Africa ended their tournament prematurely, as they failed to qualify among the top eight third-placed teams. The early exit sparked widespread anger among fans, who had expected the team to reach the knockout stages.
A petition quickly circulated calling for Hong's dismissal, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed astonishment at the result, demanding an inquiry. President Lee wrote on X: "I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome, I am utterly baffled. 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."
Hong Myung-bo's Second Stint Ends in Controversy
This was Hong's second stint as South Korea manager, having previously led the team to the 2014 World Cup before resigning. His reappointment in 2024 triggered allegations of favouritism and lack of transparency in the hiring process, which Hong denied. His reputation plummeted so severely that he was allegedly refused entry to numerous shops and restaurants.
Despite the controversy, Hong said: "Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether. 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." Fans had become increasingly frustrated, as evidenced by the petition calling for his dismissal and sweeping reforms to South Korea's national team structure.
