Coach Hong Myung-bo leaves South Korea amid death threats

South Korea's national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has left the country for the United States following intense criticism and death threats after the team's disappointing World Cup campaign.

According to Brazilian media outlet O Globo, citing South Korean media, the 57-year-old coach departed for Los Angeles just two days after returning to the country with the national team. Earlier, South Korea's president had announced an investigation into the World Cup failure, prompting Hong to step down from his position.

At the airport, he tried to avoid journalists but gave a brief response before boarding. He denied rumours of division or conflict within the team, saying there were no internal problems among the players. However, he did not comment on the death threats.

South Korea started their World Cup campaign with a win over the Czech Republic but lost to Mexico and South Africa in their next two matches, exiting from the group stage. Criticism against Hong Myung-bo intensified from that point.

According to local media, he faced widespread criticism on social media as well as street protests. Signs were also put up at various business establishments stating that Hong Myung-bo was not welcome.

Fans also protested at the airport when the national team returned, chanting slogans demanding the coach's resignation.

Hong Myung-bo, one of South Korea's most legendary players, was known as a successful club coach. However, failing to meet expectations with the national team forced him to face a difficult situation after the World Cup.