"Hong Myung-bo Is Banned"... Warning Signs Also Posted on the Door of a Korean Restaurant in Los Angeles

[Financial News] Public sentiment remains cold toward former national football team coach Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after taking the blame for Korea's group-stage exit from the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Soon after returning home, he boarded a flight to the United States, citing safety concerns, and the backlash has spread beyond Korea to the overseas Korean community.
On the 5th, a video began circulating rapidly on social networking service (SNS) platforms showing a notice reading "Hong Myung-bo is banned from entry" posted on the front door of a Korean restaurant in Buena Park near Los Angeles, United States.
The video shows the restaurant owner personally attaching the warning sign to the store door, and it has become a major topic online, drawing hundreds of thousands of views.
Overseas Koreans have reacted angrily, saying Hong left for the United States in haste without offering a sincere apology or explanation for the World Cup defeat, calling it a "flight abroad."
Posts on local SNS have continued to criticize him, with comments such as, "Running away to the United States and avoiding responsibility will not change public opinion," and "He will likely not be welcomed even in the Korean community."
This "Hong Myung-bo boycott" movement appears to have started first at stores in Korea before spreading overseas. Earlier, photos posted on online communities showed signs reading "Hong Myung-bo is banned from entry," along with soccer ball drawings, at a pub in Anyang, Gyeonggi, a barbecue restaurant in Gimje, Jeonbuk, and some convenience stores, reflecting the deep disappointment of football fans.
The issue of accountability remains unresolved across the football world, with petitions posted on the National Assembly's public petition board questioning the procedural legitimacy of the coaching appointment process and demanding immediate responsibility.
As tensions deepened, even dangerous and unexpected incidents emerged. Recently, a death threat post appeared on an online community, saying Hong would be harmed at the airport on his return to Korea, prompting Police to launch an investigation. The writer claimed to be a U.S. citizen and threatened extreme action. Authorities have begun tracing the IP address on charges including threats, while also strengthening security and guard measures at major hubs such as Incheon International Airport.
Foreign media are also closely covering the harsh atmosphere surrounding Korean football. European outlets, including Spain's radio broadcaster COPE, reported that Hong, who resigned immediately after Korea's World Cup elimination, likely chose to stay with his family in the United States to ensure his safety amid extreme public criticism, including death threats and store bans.
Hong, who has stepped down from his post, is expected to remain in the United States for the time being, taking a break and considering his next move without returning to Korea soon.
Some in the football world are also speculating that overseas clubs, including teams in Japan's J.League, may be quietly reaching out to him. However, it is expected to take considerable time before his damaged reputation and the anger of football fans can be reversed.

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter