Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the Mexican engineering guild, resigned after making a racist gesture toward a South Korean influencer [1].
The incident highlights the intersection of professional accountability and public behavior during high-profile international events. The swift removal of a high-ranking guild official underscores a zero-tolerance approach to racial slurs in the global sporting arena.
The event occurred June 11, 2026 [1], during a 2026 FIFA World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic. The game took place in Guadalajara, Mexico [1], [2]. Witnesses and video evidence showed Miramontes performing a slant-eye gesture—pulling the corners of his eyes—directed at a South Korean influencer [1], [2], [3].
Following the match, the gesture sparked widespread online backlash. The action was interpreted as a racist slur, leading to an internal review by the professional organization [1], [2].
Miramontes issued a public apology for his actions [3]. Shortly after the apology, he resigned from his position as the president of the engineering guild [1].
While some reports identified the man as a professor or a fan, official records and reporting from the South China Morning Post confirmed his role as the guild chief [1]. The organization took action after the incident became a focal point of international criticism during the tournament [1], [2].
“Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes resigned after making a racist gesture toward a South Korean influencer.”
This incident demonstrates the increasing power of social media to hold public figures accountable in real-time. Because the gesture was captured and shared during a global event like the FIFA World Cup, the professional consequences for Miramontes were immediate. It reflects a broader trend where private conduct at public events can lead to the loss of professional leadership roles if that conduct violates international norms of racial sensitivity.
