2026 World Cup: South Korea reportedly stages team media blackout after Son Heung-min mocked for his military service

Footage of unidentified media personnel making disparaging comments about South Korea captain Son Heung-min and his military service was leaked, leading to a team media blackout during the 2026 World Cup, according to multiplereports Tuesday.

JTBC, South Korea's official broadcast rights holder for the tournament, reportedly picked up an insulting conversation between a pair of journalists during a training session on June 7, four days before the squad's 2-1 win over Czechia in Group A competition.

Able-bodied men in South Korea are required to complete around 18-21 months of military service. But exemptions are granted, including for medal-winning athletes. Son, now 33, was given one for helping his country win gold at the 2018 Asian Games.

Instead, he performed alternative duties, such as a military training course in 2020 during the pandemic.

Son famously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League from 2015-25. He left the club to join the MLS' LAFC last summer. The standout forward remains an integral piece of the South Korea men's national team, for which he's made 146 appearances since debuting in 2010.

The footage of the conversation, in which Son's military service was mocked, was broadcast in Korea, according to The Athletic. Backlash followed, as reported by The Associated Press.

Son had chances to score in his team's World Cup opener last Thursday; however, he couldn't find the back of the net. South Korea got goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu against Czechia in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Following the match, Son reportedly declined to speak to members of the media. On Monday, per The Athletic, the Korean Football Association released a statement that condemned the "inappropriate remarks" made by the media.

"The Korea Football Association respects the reporting activities and the role of the media," the statement read, via The Athletic.

"However, on-site reporting must also be conducted based on mutual respect and trust, and respect for and protection of the players must take precedence.

"In response, the Korea Football Association requests that media outlets and reporters show greater consideration and a responsible attitude toward the national team and players to prevent similar situations from recurring.

"I ask the media and members of the football community to unite in support so that the South Korean national football team can showcase its best performance on the World Cup stage. The Korea Football Association will continue to prioritize the protection of the players and strive to create a healthy media environment."

South Korea's next match is on Thursday. It will face Mexico in Guadalajara.