The Red Devils, the official supporters' group of the South Korea national football team, has strongly urged fundamental reform within the football community following the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

In an official statement released on the 29th, the Red Devils stated, "The people believed in and supported the national team until the very end, only to face a devastating outcome." They pointed out, "This failure is not simply about missing out on the Round of 32; it is the result of structural problems accumulated across the entire administration and operation of Korean football."

They continued, "The players asked for cheers instead of jeers, and the people trusted that plea until the end," adding, "Even in a process where disappointment outweighed expectation, the fact that fans supported the national team to the very end in Gwanghwamun, at the stadium in Mexico, and elsewhere was solely out of love for the players."

■ "Those Responsible Must Apologize and Be Held Accountable Before the Nation"

The Red Devils strongly demanded accountability from officials while explaining the reasons behind the public's anger. They criticized, "The reason the public is angry is not because of the result of a single match," adding, "In the process of preparing for a stage that was the last World Cup for some and could have been the first and last for others, those who should have taken responsibility failed to do so."

In particular, regarding the responsibility for this World Cup failure, they escalated their criticism, saying, "If the sincerity of the people was exploited to cover up past failures, that was not self-sacrifice but rather driving Korean football into an even more difficult situation." They emphasized, "Until the very last moment, there was no sincere apology or responsible attitude, and hard-to-understand explanations only deepened the wounds of football fans," adding, "Those in positions of responsibility must deeply reflect and show accountability before the nation."

■ "Will Take Action Until the Flawed Structures Are Eradicated"

They also laid out their future action plan. The Red Devils declared, "From today onward, we will raise our voices using every possible means until the flawed structures and practices that are sickening Korean football are eradicated," and "We will take action alongside fans so that Korean football can regain the trust of the people."

Furthermore, at the end of the statement, they reiterated, "The year 2026 will be recorded as the year South Korean football suffered its deepest wound," emphasizing, "This time, above all, a change must begin to set Korean football straight."

■ Football Fans' Reactions… "Expectation for a Continued Watchdog Role"

Following the release of this statement, a wide range of reactions has poured in from football fans. Some have pointed out, "Wasn't there a lack of active voice during the football community controversies of 2024?" On the other hand, opinions such as, "This time, we must hold those responsible accountable to the end and bring about real change," continue to emerge.

Some fans are calling for more intensive reform and relentless monitoring, saying, "We ask the Red Devils to continuously serve a watchdog role so that the national team and Korean football are no longer undermined by specific factions or misguided administration."