South Korea’s World Cup squad are staging a media blackout after journalists mocked the military service of Son Heung-min, the team’s captain.Son, who plays for Los Angeles FC in MLS, but previously for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, has been playing for his national team since 2010 and has since made 145 appearances, was granted an exemption from compulsory military service following South Korea’s gold medal win at the 2018 Asian Games.In recognition, he was allowed to complete three weeks of basic training instead.However, during a team training session that was held before the World Cup, a South Korean broadcaster inadvertently picked up a conversation between two journalists, in which disparaging remarks were made about Son’s exemption. The footage was then broadcast back in Korea, in which the unedited conversation could be heard by members of the public.
In response, Son declined to speak to members of the media following his country’s opening game, a 2-1 win over Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 12. On Monday, the Korean Football Association released a terse statement, criticising the “inappropriate remarks” made by the media and describing the “great shock and disappointment” that the leak had caused the team.South Korea have been training at their World Cup base in Guadalajara, Mexico (Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images)“The Korea Football Association respects the reporting activities and the role of the media,” the statement continued.“However, on-site reporting must also be conducted based on mutual respect and trust, and respect for and protection of the players must take precedence.“In response, the Korea Football Association requests that media outlets and reporters show greater consideration and a responsible attitude toward the national team and players to prevent similar situations from recurring.“I ask the media and members of the football community to unite in support so that the South Korean national football team can showcase its best performance on the World Cup stage. The Korea Football Association will continue to prioritise the protection of the players and strive to create a healthy media environment.”The KFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Athletic and did not confirm whether the blackout had since ended. FIFA has also been approached for comment.Jun 16, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
