South Korea’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into chaos after a private conversation between two journalists, in which they mocked captain Son Heung‑min’s military service record, was accidentally broadcast live during a televised training session.
The exchange, picked up by a live microphone, has triggered a wave of public outrage just days before the Taegeuk Warriors open their campaign against the Czech Republic.
What was said
The incident occurred during an open training session at the Chivas Verde Valle base in Guadalajara on June 7. As Son Heung‑min underwent intense physical drills, one reporter was heard remarking: “Why is he running like he’s leading a military platoon? Does he think he’s in the army?”
A second reporter then replied with an even more inflammatory comment: “He didn’t even complete his military service. These idiots know nothing about the army.”
The pair had apparently left their microphones live, and the entire exchange was transmitted during the live broadcast.
Network denies responsibility
South Korean broadcaster JTBC, which aired the footage, quickly distanced itself from the remarks. In a statement, the network said the voices did not belong to its own staff, explaining that sensitive broadcast microphones can inadvertently pick up nearby conversations. JTBC added that its crew had been so focused on filming the training that they did not notice the offending audio until viewers flagged it in online comments. The network has since re‑uploaded a muted, edited version of the video.
The facts of Son’s service
Under South Korean law, all able‑bodied men must complete approximately 18 to 21 months of military service. However, athletes who win a gold medal at the Asian Games or any medal at the Olympics are granted an exemption.
Son earned that exemption by leading South Korea to gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. As part of his alternative service requirement, he completed four weeks of gruelling basic training at a Marine Corps boot camp in 2020, along with 544 hours of community service, while continuing his professional football career.
Fans react with fury
The leaked audio has been met with near‑universal condemnation. South Korean fans, while often critical of their national team, have drawn a line at personal insults regarding mandatory military service.
“That’s the only thing he’s accomplished in his life—serving in the military?” one netizen sarcastically wrote on a popular Korean forum. Others called for the journalists to be identified and publicly reprimanded, describing the remarks as a “shameful act of insult.”
Distraction ahead of Czech clash
With head coach Hong Myung‑bo’s side set to face the Czech Republic on the morning of June 12, the controversy has become an unwelcome distraction. Son, widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers, is expected to lead the team out as captain. Fans now hope the squad can block out the noise and focus on the tournament ahead.
