Riot police deployed at airport to protect World Cup manager after death threat

Riot police deployed at airport to protect World Cup manager after death threat highlights security measures following South Korea’s disappointing 2026 World Cup exit. After the team crashed out in the group stage, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned following a tournament that produced only one win in three matches. President Lee Jae-myung called for a government investigation into how the campaign went, and anger escalated further after an online post threatened Hong’s life. Riot police were deployed at Incheon airport to protect Hong and his returning squad when they land on Tuesday. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said it will send 160 riot and airport officers, with an additional 25 special security guards, treating the homecoming as a genuine security risk. Police described the operation as precautionary and said they would respond strictly to illegal acts, including throwing objects. Hong had already stepped down before the threat emerged, with his team posting a 2-1 win over Czechia but losses to Mexico and South Africa.