Many celebrities, including Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, actor Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young’s son Kwon Rook Hee, and actor Han Jung Soo, reacted strongly after South Korea’s loss to South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kim Heechul posted on social media, saying, “Even someone like me who doesn’t know much about soccer can tell this is really…” showing his frustration on June 25th. He added, “I don’t know much about soccer. But people around me said Korea would definitely win today, so I woke up in the morning and watched the game in a good mood.” However, he said, “No, but… I can’t stop being angry about this,” after the unexpected loss.
Highlight’s Yoon Du Jun, known as a big soccer fan, shared his reaction during a YouTube live, saying, “I can’t believe it. Am I dreaming?” expressing shock and disbelief.
Kwon Rook Hee, the son of Kwon Sang Woo and Son Tae Young, also showed his disappointment. He posted a photo of a large Korean flag in his room along with a live broadcast of the match, showing his support for the national team. He shared a screenshot of the result and wrote, “Embarrassing,” after the loss.
Han Jung Soo also posted a long message criticizing the team. He wrote, “With the best players, this was the worst game ever,” and added, “No tactics at all, incomprehensible player selection, and a coach who keeps blaming the players. This really shows what the worst kind of manager is.”
He continued, “The coach’s salary should be taken away. It seems he stayed in the job only for the money. I hate this more than politics. Worst World Cup game ever.”
He didn’t stop there, saying, “I’m really angry and losing interest in football. It’s not just the skill, but the coach’s attitude that makes me angry. Even while losing, sitting there watching like it’s someone else’s game was unbelievable…”
He also said, “Hong Myung Bo should apply for South African citizenship. Please don’t come back to Korea.”
TV host Jang Seong Kyu shared possible qualification scenarios and said, “Please, let’s make it to the Round of 32,” while actor Kim Sooro encouraged the players, saying, “You worked hard in the heat. Today will be a painful day for us.”
Earlier, the South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung Bo, lost 0–1 to South Africa in their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
With this result, Korea fell to third place in the group, making their qualification for the Round of 32 uncertain.
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