2026 World Cup: South Korea announces media boycott after ridiculing Son Heung-min over his military service

In South Korea, a media boycott of the national team occurred in response to derogatory comments made about team captain Son Heung-min and his military service. According to JTBC, the official broadcast rights holder for the World Cup, a video of two journalists making fun of Son Heung-min during a training session on June 7, four days before the team's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Group A, has surfaced online.

In South Korea, men are required to undergo military service, which lasts about 18-21 months. However, there are exceptions, including for medal-winning athletes. Son, now 33, received the exemption for helping his country win gold at the 2018 Asian Games. Instead, he completed alternative duties such as military training in 2020 during the pandemic.

Son Heung-min, who previously played for Tottenham in the Premier League from 2015 to 2025, moved to MLS side LAFC last summer. He remains a key member of the South Korean national team, for which he has made 146 appearances since his debut in 2010. A video mocking Son Heung-min's military service was shown in Korea, causing a backlash, The Athletic reports.


Following the incident, Son, who had chances to score in the World Cup opener last Thursday, failed to hit the target. South Korea scored two goals through Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyun-gyu against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. After the game, Son allegedly refused to speak to the media.

On Monday, the Korea Football Association released a statement condemning the "inappropriate comments" made towards the players. "The Korea Football Association respects the media and its role, but reporting must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and the protection of players must be a priority," the statement said. The association called on the media to show greater care and responsibility towards the national team and players to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. "I urge the media and members of the football community to unite in support so that the South Korean team can perform at its best level at the World Cup. The Korea Football Association will continue to prioritize player protection and strive to create a healthy media environment."

South Korea's next match will take place on Thursday, where the team will meet Mexico in Guadalajara.