Son Heung-min spoke about Kim Min-jae’s gesture.
The South Korean national soccer team (23rd in FIFA ranking) led by head coach Hong Myung-bo drew 0-0 with Palestine (96th in FIFA ranking) in the first round of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup (USA-Canada-Mexico) at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 5th.
On the day, Hwang played with Jung Woo-young in the midfield. Based on his great activities, Hwang contributed greatly to both offense and defense. Notably, he aimed to score a goal for the Palestinians by actively participating in the attack, but failed to score a goal. In the midfield, he played a cool opposite turn and connected the ball to his teammates through short passes.
After the match, Hwang said, “All the players are disappointed because it resulted in disappointing results. And the Korean people must be disappointed. You may criticize me, but we have nine more games to go. The players are well aware of how important the remaining nine matches are. That’s why I told them not to get too upset.”
Fans booed the whole game. The booing targets were not athletes but Chung Mong-gyu and Hong Myung-bo. The Red Devils and other fans shouted together, “Jung Mong-gyu, get out!”
The Red Devils also displayed placards such as “Hyundai Zeri,” “Pinoki Hong,” “The Dark Ages of Korean Football,” and “Iljin Play Monggyu! The Association is a third-rate player!” During the game, shouts of “Jung Monggyu!” continued, and calls of “Hong Myung-bo, out!” continued.
Asked if the booing affected the game, Hwang said, “No. It is our role that players should focus on the game no matter what the situation is. I can only think of such things as excuses.” 안전놀이터
This was Hong’s first match. There were many concerns even before the match. Hong expressed his desire to win, but the result was not. Korea failed to open the goal for the Palestinians and ended up with no goal.
Korea will now go on an away match in Oman. It will bring Iraq home in October. “I will prepare well for the next match and try to show better performance at the next home match,” Hwang said in a statement.