Applause for Son, jeers for Hong: contrasting airport homecomings draw foreign media attention

Foreign media have turned a spotlight on the starkly different receptions that greeted former head coach Hong Myung-bo and captain Son Heung-min upon their return to South Korea after the team's group-stage elimination from the 2026 North America World Cup.

US sports outlet Athlon Sports reported on July 1 (local time) that the reactions Hong and Son received at Incheon International Airport could not have been more different.

Hong returned through Incheon International Airport in the early hours of June 30 alongside Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in. Hundreds of fans met him with boos and drumbeats. Banners reading "Korean football is dead" and "Hong Myung-bo, step down" were on display.

Hong had already announced his resignation immediately after South Korea's elimination was confirmed. With death threats posted online, more than 160 police officers were deployed at the airport. The Korea Football Association also canceled its official welcome ceremony — the first time that had happened since the 2002 World Cup.

Son, who arrived a day later, was met with applause and words of encouragement. Fans at the scene chanted "You've worked so hard" and "Don't hang your head."

Athlon Sports noted that while the atmosphere was tense, most fans directed their criticism at Hong and the Korea Football Association rather than the players, offering the squad words of support despite the disappointing result.

Before his return, Son posted on Instagram saying he did not know where to begin and that he wanted to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and everyone who loves football.

South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses — three points — and failed to advance to the round of 32.