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Full Breakdown

South Korea’s National Team Grapples with a Leadership Rift Ahead of the Asian Cup

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Background & Context

South Korea’s group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup and captain Son Heung-min’s bench-only appearance in the final loss to South Africa triggered turmoil. Coach Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu resigned and faced parliamentary grilling, exposing divisions between senior players (the “1996 group”) and younger teammates, a fault line first noted by former coach Guus Hiddink in 2001.

The Guardian

02

Key Figures & Groups

  • Hwang In-beom – Schalke 04 midfielder, “1996 group”.
The Guardian
  • Lee Kang-in – post-2000 attacking midfielder.
The Guardian

Visual evidence

Images from the story

The months since South Korea’s shock group-stage exit at the World Cup have been filled with tensions, including around Son Heung-min’s captaincy
The months since South Korea’s shock group-stage exit at the World Cup have been filled with tensions, including around Son Heung-min’s captaincyPhoto: theguardian
Son Heung-min had a goal to celebrate in a September friendly against Ecuador, but the last few months have not been so full of smiles with the national team
Son Heung-min had a goal to celebrate in a September friendly against Ecuador, but the last few months have not been so full of smiles with the national teamPhoto: theguardian
Bayern Munich 's central defender Kim Min-jae was the one who openly clashed with captain Son Heung-min in the internal conflict within the South Korean national team
Bayern Munich 's central defender Kim Min-jae was the one who openly clashed with captain Son Heung-min in the internal conflict within the South Korean national teamPhoto: vietnam

03

Timeline

  • October 2, 2026 – Hwang In-beom says he is “tired physically and mentally” after a 0-0 draw with Venezuela.
The Guardian
  • October 6, 2026 – Son scores a free-kick against Uzbekistan, his 59th international goal, a South Korean record.
The Guardian
  • October 30, 2026 – Moreno announces the squad for November friendlies and reaffirms Son as captain.
Son Heung-min remains captain, but underlying tensions continue to simmer within the South Korean national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.
  • January 7, 2027 – Asian Cup kickoff.
The Guardian

04

Data & Statistics

  • The “1996 group” includes three players who briefly announced departure from the national team before reversing their decision after talks with KFA officials.
Son Heung-min remains captain, but underlying tensions continue to simmer within the South Korean national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.

05

Criticism & Opposition

  • Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) criticized teammates for not “pulling their weight,” lamenting the defensive unit’s performance.
Son Heung-min remains captain, but underlying tensions continue to simmer within the South Korean national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.

06

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

South Korean outlets have not confirmed the final status of these players, leaving uncertainty about whether the rift has been fully resolved.

Son Heung-min remains captain, but underlying tensions continue to simmer within the South Korean national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.

07

Why It Matters

The leadership dispute threatens preparation for the Asian Cup, a tournament the nation has not won in 67 years. Cohesion is essential for competing against regional rivals, including Vietnam on January 15, 2027.

Son Heung-min remains captain, but underlying tensions continue to simmer within the South Korean national team ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.

08

What’s Next

  • January 15, 2027 – Group-stage clash with Vietnam, a litmus test for the “1996 group” and Son’s captaincy.
The Guardian