South Korea captain Son Heung-min leads media boycott over mockery

During preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, South Korean journalists were recorded mocking captain Son Heung‑min’s military‑service exemption. The leaked footage sparked outrage within the squad, prompting Son and his teammates to refuse all non‑official media interviews. The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued a statement condemning the “inappropriate remarks” and said the incident caused “great shock and disappointment” among the players. The boycott began after South Korea’s 2‑1 opening‑match win over the Czech Republic and continued ahead of their group‑stage clash with Mexico. The KFA called for mutual respect and pledged to protect the players, while FIFA and other bodies were contacted for comment.