South Korea World Cup camp in media blackout after Son Heung-min insult incident

GUADALAJARA, June 17 — South Korea’s World Cup build-up has been thrown into turmoil after a breakdown in relations with the media following alleged disparaging remarks directed at captain Son Heung-min.

According to The Korea Times, the situation escalated after comments about Son were made during a training session and later circulated online, prompting a strong reaction from the national squad and leading to a breakdown in media access at the team’s base in Guadalajara.

Access to players has since been heavily restricted, with interviews cancelled and reporters largely barred from speaking to the squad outside official Fifa commitments. 

Reports also said a team media officer has resigned, although this has not been officially confirmed by the national team.

Mexican media outlets reported that meetings were held between team officials and Korean journalists in an attempt to ease tensions following the incident.

The Korea Football Association said it regretted what it described as “inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel during the national football team’s training at the Guadalajara base camp”, adding that the episode had caused “great shock and disappointment” within the squad.

The incident reportedly took place during an open training session earlier this month, when Son was mocked by unidentified media personnel over his military service record in footage recorded by broadcaster JTBC, the tournament’s official rights holder for South Korea.

Son, 33, earned exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service after leading his country to gold at the 2018 Asian Games. 

He later completed alternative duties including a short military training course and community service.

The federation said it would prioritise protecting the squad and improving the media environment going forward.

Son, who left Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC last year, featured in Korea’s opening win over the Czech Republic but missed several chances in Guadalajara.

South Korea face Mexico in their next Group A match on Thursday.