As Korea's men's national soccer team failed to reach the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, the official supporters' group Red Devils said it "will fight by mobilizing every means until the deep-rooted evils that eat away at Korea's soccer disappear."
In a statement on the 29th, Red Devils said, "Only for the players, all the people once again cheered with all sincerity," adding, "We offered that sincerity and in the end became fools."
It added, "What makes us angry is not simply failing to play one round-of-32 match," and "We wanted to applaud and cheer for the players who would put on a game without regret, even if it wasn't flashy."
There was also content that appeared to target Hong Myung-bo, the national team head coach, who released his resignation that day. Red Devils said, "Far from seeking apology and forgiveness until the last moment, the person who trampled on Korea's soccer fans to the end with absurd sophistry must no longer remain a figure in Korea's soccer," adding, "After deep remorse, kneel before all the people of Korea and leave the soccer community forever."
Head coach Hong expressed his intention to resign at a World Cup settlement of account press conference held at the Chivas Valle Verde training center in Guadalajara, Mexico. Hong said, "We failed to deliver the result the people expected," adding, "All responsibility lies with me, the head coach."