South Korea Squad Boycotts Media After Leaked Audio Mocks Captain Son Heung-min Over Military Service

South Korea’s World Cup campaign has been engulfed in an internal crisis after leaked audio captured domestic journalists mocking captain Son Heung-min over his military service record, prompting an unprecedented player boycott of the country’s media.

The incident occurred during an open training session at the team’s Guadalajara base camp on June 7, days before South Korea’s Group A opener against the Czech Republic. Unidentified media personnel were recorded mocking the 33-year-old captain, with one remarking, “He runs like a platoon leader,” while another added, “He hasn’t even finished his military service. These idiots know nothing about the military.”

The audio was inadvertently broadcast live by JTBC, South Korea’s official tournament rights holder, before being leaked widely on social media, sparking outrage among South Korean fans. Military service is a deeply sensitive issue in Korean culture. Son earned an exemption from the mandatory 21-month conscription after leading South Korea to gold at the 2018 Asian Games, subsequently completing alternative duties including a three-week military training course in 2020.

The Korea Football Association issued a statement expressing “deep regret” over “inappropriate remarks” that caused “great shock and disappointment” within the squad. Despite JTBC’s efforts to downplay the incident, the damage was already done.

South Korean players responded with a total media boycott. Following their dramatic 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, Son walked through the mixed zone refusing to answer questions. Individual interviews with players, including standout performer Hwang In-beom, were abruptly cancelled. The KFA reportedly held a private meeting with South Korean reporters in Guadalajara to address escalating tensions, with the head of the World Cup press delegation subsequently resigning.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, despite the turmoil, the squad has rallied behind their captain. Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the winner against the Czech Republic, performed a 90-degree bow before Son after his goal, a gesture widely interpreted as a show of absolute respect. Coach Hong Myung-bo’s players have developed a “siege mentality,” believing they have only each other to rely on.

Son, who has made it clear this will not be his last tournament, faces a crucial clash with Mexico in Guadalajara on Thursday. While South Korea lead Group A alongside Mexico, the team’s ability to channel this adversity into performance will ultimately determine whether their World Cup journey is defined by solidarity or self-destruction.