Key facts
- A South Korean reporter was kissed by a fan during a live FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast in Mexico.
- The fan, a Mexican woman, approached the reporter during his segment and kissed him on the cheek.
- The reporter responded with a cheerful "Gracias" (Thank you).
- The incident went viral on social media, prompting discussions about consent and gender double standards.
- The viral moment occurred on the same day South Korea defeated Czechia in their opening World Cup match.
During a live broadcast from Guadalajara ahead of South Korea's FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Czechia, a South Korean reporter was unexpectedly kissed on the cheek by a Mexican fan. The fan also hugged the reporter before walking away. Initially surprised, the reporter responded with a cheerful "Gracias" (Thank you) in Spanish, turning the moment into a light-hearted exchange.
The brief interaction was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, garnering millions of views and igniting a global discussion. While many viewers found the incident amusing and reflective of the World Cup's festive atmosphere, others raised concerns about consent and gender double standards, questioning how the reaction might differ if the genders were reversed.
The viral moment occurred on the same day South Korea achieved an important victory on the field, defeating Czechia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This win marked South Korea's first opening-game victory in a World Cup since 2010.