South Korea has heightened security measures ahead of the national football team's return following its early exit from the FIFA World Cup, amid public backlash against outgoing coach Hong Myung-bo.
Authorities will deploy 160 police officers at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday, supported by a 25-member airport security team, after an online threat targeting Hong was posted ahead of the squad's arrival, according to local reports.
South Korea opened its campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic but suffered defeats to Mexico and South Africa, finishing third in its group and missing the knockout stage despite expectations of qualification.
Hong resigned following the disappointing campaign, having also overseen South Korea's unsuccessful 2014 World Cup campaign before returning as head coach in 2024 under a contract running through 2027.
The team's performance has sparked widespread criticism, with President Lee Jae-myung describing the failure to reach the knockout rounds as "unacceptable" in a post on social media.
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