South Korean national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo and captain Son Heung-min returned to the country following their elimination from the World Cup [1].
The reception at the international airport highlighted a sharp divide in public sentiment. While the team's early exit from the North-America-Central-America World Cup group stage sparked anger toward the leadership, the star captain remained a figure of support [1, 2].
Fans gathered at the arrival terminal to voice their frustration. Some supporters chanted "Hong Myung-bo out," demanding the coach's removal [1]. Reporter Lee Dae-gun said the atmosphere at the airport when the coach arrived was one of "anger" [1].
In contrast, the reception for Son Heung-min was supportive. Fans offered words of encouragement to the captain, shouting phrases such as "Cheer up" and "Do not hang your head" [1]. The disparity in treatment suggests that the public distinguishes between the players' efforts, and the tactical decisions of the coaching staff [2].
This emotional divide occurred as the team disembarked and moved toward their vehicles. The hostility directed at Hong Myung-bo coincided with the team's failure to advance past the group stage, a result that has historically triggered intense scrutiny for South Korean managers [1, 2].
No official statements regarding the coach's future tenure were issued during the airport arrivals. The team's return marks the end of their campaign in the tournament, leaving the Korea Football Association to address the fallout from the group-stage exit [1].
“"Hong Myung-bo out!"”
The starkly different reactions to the coach and the captain reflect a common pattern in South Korean football culture, where the head coach often serves as the primary lightning rod for failure. By shielding Son Heung-min from the backlash and focusing anger on Hong Myung-bo, the fans are signaling that the team's shortcomings are viewed as a failure of management rather than a lack of player talent or effort.
