REPORTERSNOTEBOOK] What Korean football team's interview boycott reveals - The Korea Times

Korea's national football team has publicly distanced itself from parts of the domestic press days before a World Cup showdown with Mexico, after a hot-mic clip showed two reporters mocking players, including captain Son Heung-min, over military service exemptions and leadership.

The Korea Football Association reprimanded the journalists, and interviews with players were canceled or curtailed, drawing international attention as Korea's camp reduced media access. Coverage abroad, including ESPN Mexico and The Athletic, framed the saga as a test of trust between players and the press, with fans and analysts weighing potential impacts on the group-stage performance. Locally, fans reacted skeptically.