The South Korean men’s national team is refusing to speak to domestic reporters at the 2026 World Cup, and the reason traces back to one ugly moment caught on a live microphone. During an open training session in Guadalajara on June 7, unidentified media personnel were recorded mocking captain Son Heung-min over his military service record — and the fallout has now fully erupted.
The footage, obtained and later leaked by broadcaster JTBC, shows the 33-year-old Tottenham-turned-LAFC star running drills while voices off-camera can be heard making disparaging remarks about his status as a military-exempt athlete. The clip went viral in South Korea, sparking outrage among fans and players alike.
What Happened at the Training Ground
Son earned an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory 21-month military service after helping the nation win gold at the 2018 Asian Games. He later completed alternative duties — a three-week military training course in 2020 plus community service — a path widely respected within the country. But the leaked audio suggests some members of the domestic press corps treated his exemption as a punchline.
According to local reports, the players were furious. Within days, the squad had collectively decided to shut out domestic media outside of official FIFA-mandated obligations. Scheduled one-on-one interviews were canceled. The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued a statement Monday expressing regret over “the inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel” and acknowledged that the comments caused “great shock and disappointment” within the team.
The Silent Treatment in Guadalajara
South Korea kicked off its Group A campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Czech Republic — goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured the result, even as Son missed a handful of chances. But the real story in camp has been the frosty relationship between players and the press box.
The KFA said it “will continue to prioritize the protection of the squad and strive to create a healthy media environment.” The federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press. Meanwhile, the team is preparing for a Thursday evening showdown against Mexico in Guadalajara — a match that now carries emotional weight far beyond the standings.
For Son, who left Tottenham for Los Angeles FC a year ago, the episode has become an unwelcome distraction at a tournament South Korea hoped would showcase its progress on the global stage. Instead, the headline in camp is about who’s talking — and who isn’t.
Leave a Comment