South Korea ex-head coach faces ‘Korean-style punishment’ with reported shop and restaurant bans after World Cup exit

When South Korea’s national football team lost to South Africa on Thursday, June 25, and crashed out of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned.

The team’s early exit sparked widespread criticism in the country, with President Lee Jae Myung calling for an investigation into the reasons behind the team’s disappointing performance.

However, the punishment for the ex-head coach did not end with his resignation, The Sun reports.

“No Entry!”: restaurants and shops in South Korea began posting notices banning the former head coach from entering. And that is not all — threatening posts have also appeared online, including calls for Hong Myung-bo’s murder.

South Korea finished third in Group A following two losses to South Africa and Mexico – despite winning their opening match against the Czech Republic.