South Korea in row with own media over Son Heung-min as World Cup media boycott erupts | OneFootball

South Korea are in a row with their own media over Son Heung-min, with players staging a media boycott at the World Cup. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that tensions flared after a training-ground clip sparked anger back home.

The footage came from an open session at Verde Valle, Guadalajara’s base, aired on 9 June by broadcaster JTBC. A pitchside microphone picked up people questioning Son’s incomplete military service and why he was running like a platoon leader despite being captain. JTBC later said those voices were not its reporters, but unidentified individuals in the area.

Military service is compulsory for South Korean men. Son was exempted from active duty after winning Asian Games gold in 2018, though he completed a three-week basic marine course in 2020.

The video went viral and provoked widespread indignation. After the 2-1 win over Czechia, Son refused to speak to Korean reporters in the mixed zone, and team-mates joined the boycott in solidarity.

On 15 June the Korea Football Association issued a statement expressing deep regret over the comments, cancelled that day’s news conference, and held a closed meeting where involved media apologised to the captain. The delegation’s communications chief resigned, taking responsibility.

Son accepted the face-to-face apology, but said a decision on re-engaging with domestic media will be made internally. He also denied this will be his last World Cup. South Korea face Mexico at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Thursday, with both on three points after matchday one.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo