Son Heung-min Boycotts South Korea Media Over ‘Leaked Derogatory Remarks’

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account South Korea captain Son Heung-min has been caught in the middle of a 2026 World Cup row after being mocked in the build-up to his country's opening game vs Czechia.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star captained his nation to a 2-1 victory to put them in a good position to reach the Round of 32. However, the veteran forward then declined to speak to members of the media from his own country.

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It's become a massive talking point in his home country after footage emerged which allegedly leaked 'derogatory' comments about the LAFC forward.

The accidentally posted footage shows two reporters allegedly mocking Son's military exemption during South Korea's recorded training session before the World Cup. After captaining his country to 2018 Olympic Gold, Son was legally excused from the standard 21-month service.

In response, the 33-year-old opted against speaking to media members from his own country following the victory against Czechia. His teammates have also decided to show solidarity and join him in the media blackout.

A statement has now been made by the Korean Football Association, which has condemned the comments made. They said (per The Telegraph):

"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.

"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 has reportedly received a face-to-face apology from members of the South Korean delegation in Mexico. The ex-Premier League attacker is said to have accepted, but it remains to be seen whether his national team end their media boycott.

The previous press delegation leader resigned over the controversy. While Son was asked whether his team would resume media duties, he refrained from giving a definitive answer until an internal decision had been reached.

The man went viral after being caught on camera by Yoon Su-jin, who has nearly 9 million followers.

Further adding to the ill-feeling between both parties, critical comments were made about manager Hong Myung-bo, which have only raised tensions within the South Korea camp.