K-pop Stars React with Disappointment after South Korea's Early World Cup Exit

Web Desk 

SEOUL: South Korea's early exit from the FIFA World Cup has sparked disappointment across the country, with several K-pop stars and actors expressing frustration and heartbreak over the national team's performance.

The Taegeuk Warriors were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match. A draw would have been enough to secure a place in the Round of 32, making the loss particularly painful for supporters.

South Korea's dismal World Cup first-round exit has sparked fury at home and calls for a complete overhaul at the top have not been silenced by coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation.

South Korea, World Cup semi-finalists as co-hosts in 2002, limped out of the tournament after failing to squeeze into the knockout rounds as one of the top eight third-place finishers.

They had the last 32 within their reach only to suffer a shock 1-0 loss to lower-ranked South Africa. Their early exit prompted coach Hong to quit on Sunday and cast doubt over the international future of captain Son Heung-min.

Among the first celebrities to react was Super Junior member Kim Hee Chul, who shared his disbelief on social media shortly after the match. "Even someone like me who doesn't know much about football can tell this is unbelievable," he wrote. Kim explained that friends had encouraged him to wake up early to watch the game because they were confident South Korea would win. However, the result left him deeply frustrated.

"I seriously can't stop being angry," he added in a follow-up post. Meanwhile, Highlight member Yoon Doo Joon watched the match live during a broadcast on the group's YouTube channel. Visibly disappointed, he described the defeat as difficult to accept.

"I honestly can't believe it," Yoon said, adding that he believed the current squad was one of the strongest South Korea had assembled in recent years.

He expressed regret that the team's promising momentum ended so abruptly, saying the tournament could have been an important step forward for Korean football. Yoon's comments attracted particular attention because of his long-standing connection with the sport. He played competitive football during his school years and later served as a promotional ambassador for South Korea's professional football league.

Actor Han Jung Soo also voiced strong criticism following the defeat, describing it as one of the team's most disappointing performances. He questioned the coaching decisions and expressed frustration over the outcome.

In contrast, actor Kim Soo Ro offered a more supportive message, acknowledging the players' efforts despite the disappointing result. "You worked hard in the heat. Today will be a painful day," he wrote.

South Korea's elimination has triggered widespread debate among fans and sports commentators, with many reflecting on the team's missed opportunity after entering the tournament with high expectations.