Son reportedly declined to speak to South Korean reporters after the opening win, with team-mates later joining him in the media boycott. The decision has turned what should have been a positive start into the dominant story around the camp.
The remarks allegedly concerned Son’s exemption from South Korea’s standard military service, granted after he captained the country to football gold at the 2018 Olympics. That background makes the subject particularly sensitive, even before the comments reportedly surfaced from a leaked training-ground recording.
The report says the Korea Football Association condemned the incident, expressed regret over the alleged remarks and apologised to the squad.
The dispute has also reportedly led to the resignation of the previous press delegation leader. Further criticism aimed at manager Hong Myung-bo has added another layer of tension around a team already dealing with the demands of a World Cup campaign.
South Korea’s opening victory gives the squad a platform to move forward, but the communication breakdown could complicate preparations. Players must manage questions about the controversy while maintaining focus on a tournament in which every result carries major consequences.
The report says Son has accepted a face-to-face apology, although there has been no confirmed decision on when normal media duties will resume. That uncertainty leaves the squad in control of its public response.
South Korea’s next group match will show whether the 2-1 win can restore attention to football. Until then, the boycott remains a test of trust between the players, their federation and the media contingent travelling with them.