Follow Us on Google
South Korea are at the centre of a major World Cup row after reporters from the country were allegedly recorded mocking Son Heung-min’s military service.
Reports have emerged of a player-led media blackout over an incident that resulted in a storm back in Son’s homeland.
It follows footage in which unnamed reporters could allegedly be heard ridiculing captain Son’s exemption from standard military service during a filmed pre-tournament training session in Guadalajara on June 7.
Son, the former Tottenham Hotspur forward, is said to have subsequently declined to speak to the media following Korea’s opening 2-1 World Cup win over Czech Republic in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Subsequent press activity involving players was also reportedly scrapped, while the Korea Football Association issued a statement on Monday in which it said: “The Korea Football Association expresses regret over the inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel during the national football team’s training at the Guadalajara base camp.
Other News
“With a sense of responsibility to represent South Korea on the global stage of the World Cup, the Taegeuk Warriors are doing their best to repay the support and expectations of the people.
“However, the recent leak of inappropriate conversations between some media officials at a training site caused great shock and disappointment to the team.”
The KFA said it “respects the work of journalists and the role of the media” but added: “The Korea Football Association will continue to prioritise the protection of the squad and strive to create a healthy media environment.”
Son completed a three-week basic training stint with the Marine Corps in 2020, having been legally excused from the standard 21-month service by captaining his country to a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
He left Spurs last summer to join Los Angeles FC.
