Son Heung-Min At Centre Of FIFA WC Storm: South Korea Locks Down Media Access

Published 17 June 2026 · sports

Son Heung-Min At Centre Of FIFA WC Storm: South Korea Locks Down Media Access Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 11:57 IST South Korea’s

Son Heung-Min At Centre Of FIFA WC Storm: South Korea Locks Down Media Access Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 11:57 IST South Korea’s build-up to a key World Cup clash with Mexico has been disrupted by a growing feud with the media after comments about captain Son Heung-min sparked outrage. Rapid Read South Korea's Son Heung-min (AFP) South Korea’s preparations for their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against Mexico have been thrown into turmoil after a growing dispute between the national team and sections of the South Korean media over comments directed at captain Son Heung-min. The controversy has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the Taeguk Warriors ahead of Thursday’s match in Guadalajara, with reports suggesting the fallout has already led to the resignation of one of the team’s media officers.

According to reports from The Korea Times and other South Korean outlets covering the team in Mexico, tensions escalated after disparaging remarks about Son were allegedly made during a training session and later circulated online. The comments reportedly angered players and coaching staff, triggering a sharp response from within the camp. Media Access Restricted In the aftermath of the incident, South Korea have significantly tightened media access around the squad. Several player interviews were cancelled, while reporters have reportedly been prevented from speaking to players outside official FIFA media obligations. The restrictions underline the extent to which the issue has unsettled the camp just days before an important World Cup fixture. The Korea Football Association (KFA) acknowledged the controversy in a statement, saying it regretted the “inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel during the national football team’s training at the Guadalajara base camp." The federation added that the incident had caused “great shock and disappointment" among players and staff.

Son Remains Central Figure Son, one of the most iconic figures in South Korean football history, remains the focal point of the national team. The former Tottenham Hotspur star, who joined Los Angeles FC last year, featured in South Korea’s opening World Cup victory over the Czech Republic. Although Son missed several opportunities in front of goal, Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured a 2-0 win. His status within South Korean football extends beyond the pitch. Son famously earned an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory 21-month military service after helping the country win gold at the 2018 Asian Games, later completing alternative military duties and community service requirements. Despite the off-field distractions, South Korea must quickly refocus as they prepare to face Mexico in a potentially decisive Group A encounter on Thursday. (with AP inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.