In brief
During the World Cup clash between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, a Mexican engineer was filmed pulling a slanted‑eye pose that sparked widespread backlash online. The incident, shared by popular content creator Yoon Su‑jin, saw thousands of comments condemning the gesture. The fan later issued a public apology, acknowledging the hurt caused, and was removed from his role as president of a Mexican engineering guild. The backlash highlighted the influence of social media in holding public figures accountable.
A clip from the June 11 World Cup game in Guadalajara captured a Mexican fan pulling his eyes in a slanted‑eye gesture that many viewers read as a racist insult to East Asian looks. It was quickly shared by the popular Korean YouTuber and TikToker Yoon Su‑jin. The video spread across Instagram and Twitter, pulling up more than 65,000 comments and over 120,000 shares.
The fan, Ulises M. Bernal, felt the viral backlash and issued a formal apology. In a post that avoided “justifying” his actions, he called the gesture offensive and said he had no intention to mock. He also noted that he would decline any debate about different interpretations to prevent further harm.
Following the apology, Bernal was stripped of his position as president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco. Reports from the New York Post confirm the decision, pointing to the professional consequences of the incident. The case was a reminder of how rapidly a single act can turn into a national conversation.
The World Cup match itself finished with a 2‑1 win for South Korea. The crowds that evening were, however, more divided, with the incident highlighting the global reach of sports and the responsibilities of fans and influencers alike.
