South Korea players boycott domestic press after Heung-min Son military jibes | OneFootball

South Korea’s players have begun a boycott of the domestic press after leaked mockery from local journalists targeted Heung-min Son.

The Korean FA said in a statement on 15 June that the language used was inappropriate and disrespectful, had caused great shock and disappointment, and that the media should act more responsibly. The row flared even as the Taegeuk Warriors opened their World Cup with a 2-1 win against Czechia.

It began when an open microphone captured South Korean reporters joking about the captain’s military service status. Son earned a legal exemption from the standard 21 months by leading his country to Asian Games gold in 2018, and completed three weeks of Marine training in 2020.

The remarks were recorded around a training session in Guadalajara on the eve of the Czechia match. In response, Son, usually forthcoming, offered only a brief thanks in the mixed zone and took no questions. Team-mates also declined to speak to national outlets.

South Korea continue preparations for a group A meeting with Mexico in Guadalajara. Kick-off is in the early hours of Friday, 3am French time.

Source: L'Équipe