Foreign media spotlight safety fears as Hong Myung-bo leaves for US amid death threats

Foreign media outlets have pointed to personal safety concerns as the primary reason former South Korea national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo left for the United States, reporting that death threats directed at him following the team's World Cup group-stage elimination prompted his departure.

Argentine outlet Ole and Spanish outlet Cope reported Friday that Hong had received death threats and feared for his own safety and that of his family, ultimately deciding to travel to the US.

Both outlets said the fallout in South Korea following the national team's group-stage exit had been severe. They noted that President Lee Jae-myung had instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a thorough investigation, analyze the causes and draw up measures to prevent a recurrence, and that Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu had announced his intention to resign.

The foreign media also described in detail the atmosphere when the team returned home. They wrote that the squad arrived to an extremely hostile reception, that Hong had to be escorted through the airport under security, and that public sentiment had deteriorated to the point where reports emerged of some areas banning him from entering.

The outlets added that South Korean police had launched an investigation into the death threats against Hong and that the safety of the coach and his family had emerged as a serious concern.

Hong departed for Los Angeles through Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. Speaking briefly to reporters at the airport, he said he had things he wanted to say and that "someday the story will come out properly." Asked whether he would attend a parliamentary hearing, he said, "I don't know. I don't know what date I'll be returning."

Interpretations of Hong's reasons for leaving vary, but foreign media have framed the trip as more than a routine overseas engagement, highlighting the broader social fallout from the team's poor performance and the personal safety issues that have since surfaced. Attention is expected to remain on the outcome of the police investigation, Hong's official response and his next steps upon returning to South Korea.