Xon Men Bo left the country due to threats from loyalists
The former head coach of the South Korean national football team, Hong Myung-bo, was forced to leave the country after the team's failure at the World Cup, Zamin.uz reported.
According to specialists, just two days after returning from the tournament, he flew to the United States. Sources say his abrupt decision was driven by the intense anger of fans, restless pursuit, and death threats circulating online.
The situation at Incheon International Airport became extremely tense. When the South Korean team returned home on June 30, they were met by nearly 200 angry fans.
Although the team arrived around 3 or 4 a.m., the protesters had not dispersed. According to a report by KBS, as soon as Hong Myung-bo appeared in the passenger hall, loud shouts and calls for protest began.
Videos circulating online show fans beating drums and demanding the coach's resignation. Tensions escalated further when the coach and players entered the hall.
To prevent disorder, airport security was significantly increased, with measures unseen before. The government deployed over 100 police officers to monitor and control the situation.
These actions were taken after online rumors spread about threats to the coach's life. MBC reporters said they saw Hong Myung-bo visibly shaken as he boarded a flight from Incheon to the U.S.
To avoid recognition, he wore a cap and covered his face with a mask. Responding to journalists' questions, he indicated he had something to say but could not elaborate at the moment.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also openly criticized the national team's unsuccessful performance at the World Cup. The leader instructed the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Tourism to thoroughly investigate the causes of the failure.
Following this, the ministry launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Korea Football Association.
We note that 57-year-old Hong Myung-bo officially announced his resignation from the position on June 28.
He had coached the national team on multiple occasions, and his current contract was valid until 2027. However, the team's failure to advance from the group stage at the World Cup led to the end of his tenure and sparked widespread public outrage in the country.
This article was prepared based on information from one.uz.
