Tensions Flare Before Match: Mexican Journalists Mock Son, Koreans React: "Pathetic"

The Korea Football Association (KFA) has expressed regret over “inappropriate remarks made by some media representatives during the national team’s training camp in Guadalajara.” The KFA added that the comments caused “great shock and disappointment” within the squad.

The incident occurred during an open training session on June 7, just days before South Korea’s opening match of the tournament. Heung-min Son was reportedly ridiculed by unidentified media representatives regarding his military service. The footage was recorded by JTBC, the official broadcast rights holder for the tournament in South Korea. The video later leaked, sparking a significant reaction on social media.

Son received an exemption from mandatory 21-month military service after South Korea’s triumph at the 2018 Asian Games. He subsequently completed alternative duties, including a three-week military training stint in 2020 and public service work. According to local media, players are not communicating with domestic journalists outside of official World Cup duties and have also canceled planned interviews.

South Korea entered the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic and is set to face Mexico in Guadalajara on Thursday evening local time.

Mandatory military service is enforced in South Korea, primarily due to strained relations with North Korea. Even athletes, artists, and celebrities are not granted full exemptions.