Key facts
- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Russia, the first such visit since Ukraine war sanctions.
- A Mexican official, Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, made a racist gesture towards Korean fans at a World Cup match.
- The incident occurred during the South Korea vs. Czech Republic World Cup game.
- Calls have been made for a public apology and FIFA action.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is scheduled to visit Russia, marking the first such visit since international sanctions were imposed following the conflict in Ukraine. This visit highlights ongoing diplomatic engagements despite geopolitical tensions.
In a separate incident, a Mexican official has faced intense backlash after being captured on video making a racist 'slant-eye' gesture towards Korean fans at a 2026 World Cup match. The man, identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the Jalisco State Surveying and Geomatics Engineers Association, was seen performing the gesture during the game between South Korea and the Czech Republic. The video, shared by a Korean influencer, quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
Netizens identified Miramontes and exposed his professional role, intensifying the controversy. Many criticized his actions as unacceptable, especially at a global event meant to celebrate diversity. Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University has called for a public apology from Miramontes and urged FIFA to implement measures to prevent future occurrences of racial discrimination at sporting events. The incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming crucial match between South Korea and Mexico.