Son comments disrupt South Korea’s buildup to Mexico World Cup match
South Korea’s squad has limited media contact after remarks about captain Son Heung-min were caught on video, according to reports.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
South Korea’s World Cup preparations have been disrupted by a dispute between the squad and domestic media after disparaging comments about captain Son Heung-min were recorded during training, the Associated Press reported. The row comes before South Korea’s Group A match against Mexico in Guadalajara on Thursday.
AP reported Tuesday that one of the team’s media officers had resigned, citing accounts from some journalists covering the South Korean squad in Guadalajara. The national team had not confirmed the resignation, according to AP.
The South Korean football association said it regretted “the inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel during the national football team’s training at the Guadalajara base camp.” The association said the comments caused “great shock and disappointment” among players.
Access limited after training incident
The incident took place during an open training session on June 7, AP reported. Son, 33, was running with teammates when unidentified media personnel mocked him over his military record in footage recorded by JTBC, South Korea’s official tournament rights holder, according to AP.
The video later leaked, leading to a strong reaction on social media, AP reported. Media access to the team appeared to have been cut off afterward, and players reportedly avoided speaking with South Korean media outside formal World Cup duties.
Scheduled player interviews were also canceled, according to AP. Mexican media reported that team media officers met with South Korean reporters to discuss the episode.
No media access was scheduled for Tuesday, AP reported. South Korea’s pre-match news conference is due Wednesday before the Mexico game.
Son’s military status draws attention
South Korean men who are able-bodied are required to complete 21 months of military service, AP reported. Son received an exemption after helping South Korea win gold at the 2018 Asian Games.
AP reported that Son later completed alternative service requirements, including a three-week military training course in 2020 and community service.
In a statement Monday, the South Korean football association said it would “continue to prioritise the protection of the squad and strive to create a healthy media environment.”
Son, who moved from Tottenham to Los Angeles FC a year ago, missed chances in South Korea’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in its opening World Cup match, AP reported. Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored for South Korea in that game in Guadalajara.
South Korea next faces Mexico on Thursday in Guadalajara, according to AP. The match is part of Group A at the 2026 World Cup.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.