Fans’ frustration with the South Korean national soccer team has reached a boiling point after their early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. The team’s failure to advance to the round of 32 has sparked outrage that has spread beyond borders. In a striking display of discontent, spectators at a Los Angeles stadium were seen holding signs demanding “Hong Myung-bo Out,” laying bare the raw emotions of disappointed supporters.
Social media exploded on Monday with a viral post titled, The Infamous Hong Myung-bo Out Banner Spotted at LA Stadium.
The images circulating online captured a foreign fan, clad in a red shirt, proudly waving the South Korean flag while brandishing a sign that read “Hong Myung-bo Out.” This powerful moment was broadcast on the stadium’s jumbotron for all to see.
In a peculiar juxtaposition, another spectator behind the protesting fan seemed amused by the scene, grinning at the unexpected display.
The online community erupted with comments, ranging from “Even foreigners know Hong Myung-bo is the fall guy” to “How can one person tarnish our nation’s reputation so severely?” Some empathized with traveling fans, saying, “Imagine the disappointment of those who flew to the U.S. and bought tickets in advance.” Others were more scathing: “Myung-bo is synonymous with embarrassment” and “You’re making 10 billion KRW (about 6.4 million USD) over three years? Give back our tax money!”
The South Korean squad’s World Cup journey came to a premature end after they managed just one win against two losses in the group stage, finishing a disappointing 34th overall and missing out on the knockout rounds.
On Monday, the team bid farewell to their Guadalajara, Mexico lodgings and began their journey home. Several key players, including Lee Kang-in (PSG), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), had already departed. Despite the early exit, loyal local fans gathered outside the hotel at dawn to show their support one last time.
These dedicated supporters held up encouraging messages like “Always keep your heads high and shine again” and “We’d love to take photos with you,” but the air of disappointment over the World Cup elimination was palpable.
In the wake of their knockout stage elimination, the Korea Football Association held a low-key disbandment ceremony. The team’s return home was staggered due to flight logistics, with players traveling back in separate groups.
In a final act of accountability, head coach Hong Myung-bo called a press conference immediately after the tournament’s conclusion. He announced that he’s stepping down as the national team’s head coach effective today, taking full responsibility for the team’s underwhelming performance and tendering his resignation.