A K-Drama actor has unexpectedly become the target of angry soccer fans after Korea’s World Cup loss, all because he shares the same name as a national team player.
MEXICO TAKES THE LEAD IN GUADALAJARA! 🇲🇽
El Tri capitalizes on the keeper miscue to go up 1-0! pic.twitter.com/OcfnNkZn7S
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
On June 19, 2026, the Korean men’s national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung Bo, faced Mexico in their second Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Korea ultimately lost 0-1 at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.
During the second half of the match, goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu attempted to catch a high ball in front of the goal, but the defense became tangled in the box. In the confusion, the ball was dropped, allowing Mexico’s Luis Romo to score.
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
— Unorthodox 🌬️🫧 (@kdrama_outofbox) June 19, 2026
After the match, soccer player Lee Gi Hyuk became the focus of criticism from some frustrated fans. However, the backlash ended up spilling over to the wrong person: actor Lee Ki Hyuk.
The actor’s social media was flooded with comments from people who appeared to have mistaken him for the soccer player. Some left messages such as, “Don’t play soccer anymore,” “We lost because of you,” and “Why did you block Kim Seung Gyu?”
Other netizens quickly stepped in to point out the mistake, explaining that the account belonged to an actor, not the national team player.
While the mix-up itself was absurd, many also criticized the larger culture of directing excessive hate at athletes after a loss. Some pointed out that while mistakes during a game can be discussed, personal attacks and malicious comments go too far, especially when the players themselves are likely already feeling the weight of the result.
Actor Lee Ki Hyuk made his debut in the 2004 film Temptation of Wolves and has since appeared in notable works such as Business Proposal and Sweet Home.
What a ridiculous mix-up!
Source: Chosun Ilbo and Star News