South Korea national football team faces internal conflict rumors

The South Korean national football team is facing internal turmoil following rumors of a collective retirement by the '96-line' players, including Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan. While Hwang In-beom and Hwang Hee-chan have denied the retirement rumors, reports suggest a generational divide between the veteran '92-line' players, such as Son Heung-min, and the younger group.

This friction has led to significant online backlash. Lee Kang-in has also been targeted by malicious rumors and online harassment, with some fans baselessly accusing him of fueling the internal discord.

Separately, defender Kim Min-jae has dealt with physical fatigue following a heavy schedule of international matches, which impacted his availability for both the national team and his club, Bayern Munich.