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.
