South Korea opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia, but the team was soon drawn into a public dispute with local media. According to reports in South Korea, journalists mocked captain Son Heung-min, sparking anger inside the squad and a backlash across the country.
The incident allegedly took place during an open training session in Guadalajara on June 7. A recording later circulated on social media, in which South Korean journalists can be heard ridiculing the captain. Some of the comments focused on the military-service exemption Son received, a sensitive issue in South Korea.
Son, 33, was granted the exemption under local law after leading South Korea to gold at the 2018 Asian Games, a result that also exempted his teammates from full compulsory service. The remarks prompted harsh criticism online and quickly reached the players.
Reports said the team responded by sharply limiting cooperation with South Korean media in the days that followed, and even boycotting interviews as a protest. Back home, officials and fans are hoping the controversy will not disrupt preparations, as South Korea now turns to a crucial Group A match against Mexico.
