South Korea boycott World Cup media duties after claims Son Heung-min mocked by reporters for military service
Updated 17/06/2026 at 07:52 GMT+1
React to this story
South Korea have refused to speak to the media before their 2026 World Cup match against Mexico amid allegations that reporters from the country mocked Son Heung-min for his military service.
'I appreciate you a lot' - Scaloni emotional after surprise from former club team-mate
Video credit: SNTV
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward - along with his international team-mates - was given an exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service after winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games - although he did attend a three-week basic military training programme during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Journalists were reportedly heard making disparaging comments about Son's exemption during a World Cup team training session.
The footage was then broadcast in South Korea.
"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," the KFA said in a statement.
"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."
Son is his nation's most-capped player and playing at his fourth World Cup.
The statement continued: "We ask for more thoughtful consideration and a responsible attitude toward the national team and its players.
"Going forward, we will continue to prioritise the protection of the squad and strive to create a healthy environment for media activities."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/15/image-625cc5ce-1e19-4257-ae37-0c0156fb33ed-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'He's the world's best goalscorer' - Can Haaland kick off first World Cup in style?
Video credit: SNTV
South Korea will still have to attend media duties mandated by FIFA during the World Cup.
Hong Myung-bo's team began their campaign in North America with a 2-1 victory over Czechia, with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.
They face co-hosts Mexico on June 19 in Guadalajara, before finishing Group A against South Africa in Monterrey on June 25.
Son has made clear his excitement about representing his country on the biggest stage once again.
- VAR controversy as Mbappe denied penalty
- Madueke time? Getting creative to solve England's conundrums
"I’m very happy to be back on the World Cup pitch, which is something I dreamed of from a very young age," he said before the group opener. "Whether it’s my first World Cup or fourth World Cup, I feel like a young boy again. This is the stage of dreams.
"It’s not something that can be expressed in one word. Whether it’s the first, fourth or sixth World Cup, our mindset must be the same when we participate in the World Cup."
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Serie A and Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement