The roar of the crowd has turned to a rumble of discontent. South Korean football supporters, known for their passionate and unwavering loyalty, are voicing their fury at national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann after a string of lacklustre performances. The latest disappointment came on Tuesday with a 2-2 draw against El Salvador, a result that has left fans questioning the direction of the team under the German manager.
At a packed pub in Hongdae, the heart of Seoul's youthful culture, fans gathered to watch the match. Expectation turned to frustration as South Korea struggled against a side ranked 75th in the world. “We should be beating teams like this comfortably,” said Kim Min-ji, 32, an accountant who took the day off to watch the game. “The players look lost on the pitch. There's no plan, no passion. Klinsmann has to go.”
The discontent has been brewing since the Asian Cup in January, where South Korea were eliminated in the semi-finals by Jordan. That defeat ended a promising run and exposed deep-seated problems. Since then, the team has won just two of nine matches. The pressure is now mounting on Klinsmann, who took over in February 2023 with a reputation for developing young talent but has so far failed to deliver results.
“We have world-class players like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae, but the team is disjointed,” said Park Ji-hoon, a 28-year-old student and football blogger. “The coach is not utilising them properly. It's not just about tactics. The players seem unhappy, and that reflects on the pitch.”
Fans have taken to social media with hashtags calling for Klinsmann's dismissal, and protests are planned outside the Korea Football Association headquarters in central Seoul. The association has so far publicly backed the coach, but the growing anger may force a change.
The frustration is not just about results. For many South Koreans, football is a source of national pride and a barometer of the country's standing on the world stage. “We have a team that can compete with anyone, but we're stuck in a rut,” said Lee Soo-jin, 45, a factory worker who remembers the 2002 World Cup semi-final run. “The fans deserve better. We pay our taxes, we fill the stadiums, and we expect passion in return.”
The economic context adds to the pressure. With the cost of living rising, watching football is a precious escape for many working families. “I work 60 hours a week, and I spend my hard-earned money on tickets and merchandise,” said Hwang Kyu-sik, 39, a delivery driver. “I want to see a team that fights for the shirt. Right now, I'm not getting that.”
Klinsmann, speaking after the El Salvador match, acknowledged the fans' frustrations. “I understand their anger. We have to do better, and we will. The players are working hard, and I believe in this squad. But results must improve.”
The next test is a crucial World Cup qualifier in September. If performances do not pick up, the calls for Klinsmann's head will only grow louder. For now, the fans are watching and waiting, their anger simmering.
On the streets of Seoul, the mood is clear: the honeymoon is over. South Korean football is at a crossroads, and the fans are demanding a change. Whether the football association listens will determine not just the fate of a coach but the spirit of a nation's beloved sport.
