Journalists Mock South Korea's Captain, and Players Go Dark

South Korea's national soccer team has gone quiet—with reporters, at least. Players are refusing media interviews at the World Cup after a TV broadcast accidentally aired two journalists privately mocking captain Son Heung-min's reduced military service, comments that quickly became public in South Korea, reports the Athletic. Son, 33, who earned an exemption from full conscription after winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games but completed three weeks of basic training in 2020, skipped postgame interviews following South Korea's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on June 12 in Guadalajara. Reuters notes that all able-bodied men are required to serve 21 months in the South Korean military.

The Korea Football Association later issued a sharply worded statement condemning the "inappropriate remarks," saying the leak caused "great shock and disappointment" and insisting player protection must come first. The KFA urged reporters to show more "consideration and a responsible attitude" toward the squad. It did not clarify how long the media freeze will last. FIFA has been asked for comment, and Reuters notes that the team is mandated by the world's governing soccer body to fulfill "media duties."