▲ A Mexican man making a 'slanted-eye' gesture with both index fingers
A Mexican man who made a so-called 'slanted-eye' gesture toward a Korean female influencer cheering for the South Korean national football team during the South Korea-Czech Republic match at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup has resigned from his position as association president following intense public backlash.
The 'slanted-eye' gesture, made by pulling the corners of the eyes with both hands, is a well-known racist act that mocks the physical features of Asian people.
According to the Mexican daily El Universal on June 14 (local time), a Korean influencer surnamed Yoon, who visited Guadalajara Stadium on June 11 to cheer for the Taegeuk Warriors, posted a video on her social media that she had filmed inside the stadium.
In the video, a Mexican man sitting directly behind Yoon was captured on camera making the 'slanted-eye' gesture and mocking her.
The video spread rapidly across social media, sparking public outrage. After internet users tracked him down, it was revealed that the man was Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, the president of the College of Civil Engineers, Topographers, and Geodesists of Jalisco (CITGEJ).
As the controversy grew uncontrollably, Bernal Miramontes posted an apology video on social media, bowing his head and stating, "I wanted foreigners to feel at home when they visit Mexico, but I did the exact opposite."
He added, "I sincerely apologize to the influencer, the Korean community, and my fellow Mexicans who were disappointed by my actions."
Furthermore, Bernal Miramontes announced that he would be stepping down from his position as president of the CITGEJ.
"I submitted my resignation today to avoid causing harm to the organization," he stated. "This was entirely a personal action, and I will fully accept the consequences and responsibilities that follow."
He also mentioned that he is seeking ways to contact the Korean influencer directly to convey his apologies.
(Photo: Captured from Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's social media, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.