According to Bild, South Korea's FIFA World Cup campaign ended prematurely. After the group stage, the team won just 1 of 3 matches before heading home. The disappointing exit sparked widespread domestic anger that quickly escalated online. Former head coach Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation immediately following the World Cup elimination and has since become a target of numerous attacks, prompting police intervention.

An anonymous user on a South Korean online forum posted death threats against Hong Myung-bo, threatening to kill him upon his arrival at the airport. Security services are treating the threat seriously and have implemented precautionary measures.

The South Korean team is scheduled to return on Tuesday. Approximately 160 police officers will be deployed at Incheon Airport, with an additional security team of 25 people from the airport operator.

For Hong Myung-bo, this marks his second group-stage exit as South Korea's head coach. In 2014, he led the team to an early elimination, earning just 1 point from 3 matches. Despite this, he returned to the position in July 2024.

After failing to advance past the group stage again, Hong Myung-bo is widely held responsible for the failure. Criticism has even reached political circles. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung commented on the result, posting a lengthy message on X in which he stated he was "not just shocked but even felt absurd" at the outcome.

However, South Korea's group-stage prospects initially looked promising. Following a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match, advancement to the knockout stage seemed within reach. Consecutive 0-1 defeats to Mexico and South Africa, however, ended those hopes. South Korea finished third in their group with 3 points, eliminated due to inferior goal difference.

The fallout continues: domestic anger persists, and both the South Korean team and Hong Myung-bo will require police protection upon their return home.

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