Mexican trade group chief removed after racist gesture towards South Korean influencer at FIFA World Cup match

A South Korean social media influencer's World Cup celebration video has triggered a backlash in Mexico after it captured a senior trade association official making a racist gesture behind her during a match in Guadalajara.Yoon Su-jin, known online as Incocat_t, had travelled to Mexico to support South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While recording a video after her country's opening Group A victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, a man seated behind her appeared to mock her by pulling the corners of his eyes outward while laughing.The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting criticism from viewers and calls for action against the man involved."I came all the way to Mexico for the World Cup, but … am I being too sensitive?" Yoon wrote in Korean after sharing the clip.

In a separate post, she added: "POV: You traveled across the world for the World Cup… and experienced racism."Official to lose position after video goes viralAccording to the New York Post, the individual identified in the video was Ulises Bernal, president of the College of Topographic and Geomatic Engineers of Jalisco.The organisation later distanced itself from the incident.

A spokesperson told the New York Post that members were "deeply saddened" by what had happened. The spokesperson also said the association's Honor and Justice Committee had convened to examine the matter and that Bernal would be "removed from office".

The incident prompted a wave of reactions online. Many Mexican social media users apologised to Yoon and condemned the behaviour, arguing that it did not reflect the attitudes of most people in the country.

Others, however, attempted to downplay the gesture, claiming it was harmless or part of local culture, comments that drew further criticism.South Korea opens campaign with comeback winThe controversy unfolded on a memorable night for South Korea's national team.After trailing to a second-half goal from Czech captain Ladislav Krejci, South Korea fought back to secure a 2-1 victory. Midfielder Hwang In-beom equalised before providing the assist for Oh Hyeon-gyu's winner."It was our first game and a very difficult one," South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said afterwards. "The win itself makes me happy, but what's even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up."The victory marked South Korea's first winning start to a World Cup campaign since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.