KUALA LUMPUR: It was a heartbreaking defeat for South Korea against South Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but its top diplomat here is taking comfort from the strong support shown by Malaysians.
South Korean ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae said he was greatly touched to see Malaysians joining Korean fans in support of the Taeguk Warriors in the World Cup matches, with many also dressed in red which is South Korea’s national team team colour.
“Our fighting spirit remains unbroken. Although the result was not what we expected, our players gave it their all. It is great to see the support shown by many Malaysians,” he said after hosting a viewing party at the embassy yesterday for South Korean and Malaysian supporters.
Yeo said he was pleased to see football bringing people across the world together for the ongoing tournament, with Malaysia being no exception.
He said the strong support shown by Malaysians for South Korea in its Group A clashes reflected how football transcended nationality and language to bring people together.
“Football and sport is a unifier, no matter where you come from or what language you speak. People can gather and share the same sentiments, joy and excitement.
“I have seen how Malaysians cheered for our national team, and that means a lot to me and my country,” he said.
The envoy said football enjoyed immense popularity in Malaysia and South Korea, and played an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties.
“I have witnessed the great passion and energy that people, especially the younger generation, have towards football.
“Football can bring Koreans and Malaysians together, and it can also unite Malaysians regardless of their background,” he added.
Despite yesterday’s setback, Yeo said he remained optimistic that South Korea could yet make it to the next round as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Among those present were the ambassador’s spouse Choi Sung-hee, South Korea’s consul-general in Malaysia Lee Han-il, Malaysian Maritime Institute chairman Datuk Mohamed Suffian Awang and Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Mohd Yani Daud.
A local South Korean supporter, Aini Aziz, 50, described the defeat as a painful one, saying the Korean side was simply unlucky despite dominating more than 70% of possession.
She felt coach Hong Myung-bo’s decision to introduce captain Son Heung-min only in the second half failed to produce the desired impact.
Another supporter, Nur Izzati Nor Azlan, 29, remained hopeful that South Korea could still progress through the best third-placed teams route.
“My heart started pounding when Mexico scored in the other match, and the disappointment grew when South Africa broke the deadlock through T. Maseko in the 63rd minute. The result is genuinely disappointing,” she said.
The defeat saw South Africa advance to the knockout stage for the first time in its World Cup history with four points, joining Group A winners Mexico which grabbed nine points after beating Czechia 3-0.
South Korea, which only needed a draw to qualify automatically, finished third in the group with three points.
