Famous K-Drama Star Held Responsible for South Korea’s World Cup Defeat
Lee Ki Hyuk is facing backlash from angry soccer fans — but it’s all a huge mix-up.
The controversy began right after Korea’s 0-1 loss to Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 19. Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu made a costly mistake, fumbling a high ball that led to Mexico’s winning goal by Luis Romo.
Soon after, frustrated fans lashed out at soccer player Lee Gi Hyuk, blaming him for the defeat.
As the situation spiraled, actor Lee Ki Hyuk suddenly found himself under fire online. Why? Because his name sounds nearly identical to the player’s.
Many flooded the actor’s social media with angry comments like:
“Don’t play soccer anymore,”
“We lost because of you,”
“Why did you block Kim Seung Gyu?”
Twitter users even joked about hiding the goalkeeper from fans:
Unorthodox
“Korea’s goalkeeper made a critical mistake that led to Mexico’s goal. Hide this man from knetz. They’re going to cook tf out of him ”
Luckily, other netizens quickly cleared up the confusion, pointing out the actor is not the soccer player.
Fans also criticized the extreme hate directed at athletes after losses, calling out the toxic culture of personal attacks.
Lee Ki Hyuk debuted in the 2004 film Temptation of Wolves and has starred in hits like Business Proposal and Sweet Home.
What a wild and ridiculous mix-up!
MEXICO TAKES THE LEAD IN GUADALAJARA!
El Tri capitalizes on the keeper miscue to go up 1-0! pic.twitter.com/OcfnNkZn7S
Korea’s goalkeeper made a critical mistake that led to Mexico’s goal. Hide this man from knetz. They’re going to cook tf out of him pic.twitter.com/nA6BOEvjO9
Source: Chosun Ilbo, Star News