"Why Did You Call Me to the World Cup!" Jens-Hong Myung-bo Assault Video Surpasses 10 Million Views... Revealed as AI

AI-Generated Assault Video Surpasses 10 Million Views

Calls to "Remove Fist-Clenching Scene from the National Anthem Video"

After Coach Hong Myung-bo's Resignation, Backlash Continues

Former South Korea national football team coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned, taking responsibility for the team's elimination in the World Cup group stage. However, the controversy remains intense, as many believe his brief statement was insufficient to quell public outrage. On social networking services (SNS), an AI-generated deepfake video showing Jens Castrop, who did not get enough playing time, assaulting Coach Hong, has gone viral. Furthermore, there are even claims that past footage of Hong in the national anthem video, played before matches, should be removed, fueling even greater criticism.

Fake video of Jens-Hong Myungbo circulating on SNS. SNS capture

'AI Fake Assault' Video Hits 10 Million Views... Public Backlash Intensifies Despite Resignation

Recently, an AI-generated video titled "A video made out of anger because of Hong Myung-bo" has been circulating on SNS, surpassing 10 million views. The video depicts national team midfielder Jens Castrop approaching Hong Myung-bo, who is sitting on the bench, raising his voice and then assaulting him. Although this is not a real incident but an AI-created deepfake, it triggered a huge response online, with the number of comments exceeding 10,000.

The uploader, identified as Mr. A, clarified that the content was AI-generated, writing, "In the end, Jens couldn’t hold back anymore and exploded, saying 'Why did you call me, you XX?' and hit the back of Hong Myung-bo’s head." He continued, "The live chat was flooded with anger toward Hong Myung-bo. The public sentiment is being vividly reflected, and with every line of Hong's apology press conference, the people's anger remains. Criticism is also continuing in the broadcasting industry."

The root of the controversy lies in dissatisfaction with player selection. Jens Castrop was included in the final World Cup squad, but started in only 3 out of 9 A-matches. He did not get any playing time in the group stage matches against Czechia and Mexico.

He finally made his World Cup debut as a substitute in the final group stage match against South Africa, but the team lost and was eliminated. Afterward, Castrop stated, "It was a disappointing result, but an unforgettable journey." However, fans continued to express disappointment regarding how he was utilized. In this context, the AI video appears to represent a form of "proxy anger" on behalf of fans.

Some Demand Immediate Removal of Hong Myung-bo from National Anthem Video

On SNS, there have also been repeated claims that the scene of Hong Myung-bo's celebration immediately after the penalty shootout win in the quarterfinals of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, which is included in the national anthem video shown before national team matches, should be removed.

A scene featuring Hong Myung-bo appearing in the national anthem video played before the national team match. Screenshot from SNS

One user, identified as Mr. B, wrote on SNS, "Please, let’s take this clip out of the national anthem video. It seems like this is why Hong Myung-bo acts without knowing his place," adding, "He seems to think of himself as Yi Sun-sin."

The cold response toward Hong Myung-bo continued even at the airport upon his return. Fans jeered, shouting "Hong Myung-bo, get out" and "Hong Myung-bo ruined Korean football." As the backlash continues to intensify, there are now discussions about the need for personal safety measures for the former coach.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.