South Korea’s national football team has suspended interviews with local media after a leaked audio recording allegedly captured journalists making disrespectful remarks about captain Son Heung-min during a training session at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among players, South Korea fans and football officials.
According to reports, the comments were picked up by a live microphone during an open training session in Guadalajara, Mexico.
In the recording, some journalists were allegedly heard mocking Son’s leadership style and questioning his military service record. One of the comments suggested that the player behaved like a military platoon leader despite not completing full military service.
The remarks quickly spread across social media in South Korea, triggering strong reactions from supporters and members of the national team.
In response, players reportedly decided to stop participating in interviews with South Korean media outlets, although they continue to fulfil mandatory media obligations required by FIFA.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) condemned the comments and expressed disappointment over the conduct of the journalists.
In an official statement, the federation said the remarks had caused “great shock and disappointment” within the squad and called on media personnel to show greater responsibility and respect toward players.
The controversy is particularly sensitive because military service remains an important issue in South Korea. All able-bodied men are generally required to complete military service, but athletes can earn exemptions through major international achievements.
Son received such an exemption after helping South Korea win the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games. However, he still completed a three-week basic military training programme in 2020.
Son, widely regarded as South Korea’s greatest footballer, has been a symbol of the country’s success on the international stage for more than a decade.
The 33-year-old captain has represented his nation in multiple major tournaments and remains one of the team’s most influential figures.
The dispute has overshadowed South Korea’s World Cup campaign and raised fresh questions about the relationship between athletes and the media.
