'Humiliating' Hong Myung-bo's team faced provocation from the South African delegation outside the stadium... Hwang In-beom also expressed anger, asking, "What on earth is happening?" [World Cup On-Site Issues]

*This content was translated by AI.

After a historically poor performance that saw them drop to third place in their group, Hong Myung-bo's team became entangled in a rude provocation by the opposing team outside the stadium. Not only were they outmaneuvered by South Africa, widely considered the weakest team, but the South Korean national football team players also suffered a humiliating situation as they were directly targeted by the opponent's consistent unsportsmanlike behavior.

The incident occurred in the mixed zone at Estadio BBVA after the match. While South Korean players were conducting post-match interviews in a heavy atmosphere after failing to advance to the round of 16 on their own merit, the South African delegation, intoxicated by victory, created chaos at the scene with actions beyond common sense.

At the time, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) were calmly answering reporters' questions. Then, South African players entered the mixed zone and began singing loudly enough to drown out the interview completely. This was a clear act of unsportsmanlike conduct that showed no consideration for the depressed interview area of the losing side.

Unable to bear it any longer, South Korean national team officials and on-site reporters repeatedly asked for restraint, but the South African players' singing grew louder and more brazen.

The climax was the South African staff's arrogant attitude. A South African national team official deliberately slowed his pace as he passed in front of the interview area where South Korean players and reporters had gathered. This was a typical act of mockery, clearly intended to mock and provoke the somber mood of the South Korean national team.

When a national team official, unable to watch any longer, made a hand gesture signaling them to hurry up, the South African official instead frowned and openly displayed an uncomfortable, confrontational attitude.

As the opponent's provocation continued to cross the line, even Hwang In-beom, a midfielder known for his gentle and calm personality, finally lost his temper. Hwang In-beom temporarily paused the interview, stared directly at the official, and strongly shouted, "Hurry up and move." The tension in the mixed zone reached its peak, with Hwang In-beom showing such intense language that he nearly lost his composure.

As emotions between the two sides escalated, the situation nearly turned into a physical confrontation before being calmed down by South Korean national team staff and FIFA media staff on site. The South African official continued to provoke until the very end, making uncomfortable gestures that seemed to mock the national team even as he exited the mixed zone for the last time.

Fortunately, the South Korean delegation did not get further entangled in the opponent's low-level additional provocation and responded maturely. Even amidst the chaos, Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC) showed professional qualities by regaining his composure and continuing to answer reporters' questions sincerely until the end.

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*This content was translated by AI.