Mexican Official Ousted After Racist Gesture Toward South Korean Creator at World Cup

A South Korean influencer documented a racist incident at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara after filming herself celebrating her national team’s win over the Czech Republic. While she was recording in the stands, a Mexican fan behind her made the slanted-eye gesture often used as an anti-Asian slur. The creator, Yoon So-jin, who has nearly 9 million followers on TikTok and YouTube, said she traveled to Mexico for the tournament and appeared visibly embarrassed on camera.

In one post in Korean, she wrote, “I traveled all the way to Mexico for the World Cup, but... maybe I’m being too sensitive?” In another, she said, “I flew to the other side of the world for the World Cup, and experienced racism.” The clip spread quickly online and drew sharp backlash. Many commenters apologized to her and said the behavior did not represent Mexicans, while others said it was contrary to the spirit of the World Cup and to Mexico’s image as host.

The man identified in the video was Ulises Bernal Miramontes, president of the Jalisco state association of topographic and geodetic engineers. After the video circulated, the association said its honor and discipline committee met and decided to remove him from his post. A spokesperson said, “We are very saddened by the incident.” FIFA had not commented at the time of the report.

The incident comes as South Korea is Mexico’s next opponent in Group 1. Both teams opened the tournament with victories, and their match at Guadalajara on Friday, June 19, could determine the group leader.