South Korean authorities have deployed riot police and additional security personnel to Incheon International Airport to protect national team head coach Hong Myung-bo following online death threats linked to the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Police said about 185 security personnel, including riot officers, airport police, and special security guards, will be on duty when the team returns home. The heightened security follows social media posts threatening to kill Hong upon his arrival, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and warn that anyone engaging in violence or disorder will face legal action.
South Korea’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. Despite opening the tournament with a victory over the Czech Republic, defeats to Mexico and South Africa left the team eliminated, leading Hong to resign as head coach and accept responsibility for the poor performance.
Public anger has intensified in the aftermath of the elimination. Reports say some businesses displayed signs barring Hong from entering, while criticism also focused on the process that led to his appointment as national team coach. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for an investigation into the country’s World Cup failure and the management of the national football program.
Authorities have appealed for calm, stressing that while fans have the right to express disappointment, threats of violence and intimidation will not be tolerated. The police investigation into those responsible for the online threats remains ongoing.
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South Korea Deploys Riot Police to Protect Coach Hong Myung-bo After World Cup Death Threats
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South Korean police deployed riot officers to Incheon Airport to protect coach Hong Myung-bo after online death threats followed the country’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Wetin Happun:
South Korea police don send riot officers and extra security go Incheon Airport to protect coach Hong Myung-bo after some people threaten say dem go kill am because the country no qualify from the World Cup group stage. Hong don resign as coach, while police don begin investigate the death threats and warn say anybody wey cause trouble go face the law.
