Story perspectives

South Korea football team rebukes media, wins opener

6/17/2026

Summary

South Korea Confronts Media

South Korea’s football team confronted media after a JTBC video showed journalists mocking captain Son Heung-min’s military exemption during training on June 7.
The Korea Football Association regretted the media’s inappropriate comments.
After the leak, the team media officer resigned, prompting players to refuse further South Korean media interviews.
South Korea opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic and is scheduled to play Mexico Thursday in Group A.

Summary

Son Completes Training

Son completed a three-week basic training stint in 2020 with tear-gas, live-fire drills and 30-km hikes.
South Korea exempts athletes who win Asian Games gold or Olympic medals, a status Son earned in 2018.
All able-bodied South Korean men must serve about 21 months of compulsory service to maintain a deterrent.
FIFA rules still require the Taegeuk Warriors to meet media duties despite their boycott.

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South Korea Confronts Media

South Korea’s football team confronted media after a JTBC video showed journalists mocking captain Son Heung-min’s military exemption during training on June 7.
The Korea Football Association regretted the media’s inappropriate comments.
After the leak, the team media officer resigned, prompting players to refuse further South Korean media interviews.
South Korea opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic and is scheduled to play Mexico Thursday in Group A.

1 / 2