Actress and model Kim Jin-kyung has become the target of online harassment following South Korea’s 0-1 defeat to host nation Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite having no involvement in the match.

The backlash began after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a costly mistake during the June 19 fixture. Unable to secure the ball, he allowed Luis Romo to capitalize on the rebound and score the match’s only goal, making the veteran goalkeeper the focus of criticism.

Rather than stopping with criticism of the player, some internet users directed abusive comments toward Kim Jin-kyung’s social media accounts. According to reports, even a recent video documenting the birth of the couple’s daughter was flooded with negative remarks, despite the actress having no connection to the result of the match.

As the online harassment intensified, Kim Jin-kyung took steps to protect herself and her family by disabling comments across her social media platforms. She also limited interactions on her YouTube channel, allowing only subscribers to leave comments.

Kim Jin-kyung and Kim Seung-gyu married in 2024 and recently welcomed their first child, a daughter. Because Kim Seung-gyu was with the South Korean national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was unable to be present for his daughter’s birth, instead meeting his newborn through photos and video calls.

The online attacks targeting both his wife and their newborn daughter have sparked widespread debate about fan behavior on social media. While criticism of an athlete’s performance is often considered part of professional sports, many observers argue that directing abuse toward players’ family members crosses a clear line.

Sources: 24h