Heung-Min Son mocked, KFA boycotts Korean media at World Cup

KFA boycotts Korean media after journalist mocked Heung-Min Son

South Korea's FA has cut off its own press corps at the World Cup, and the reason is personal. A journalist mocked captain Heung-Min Son over his military service exemption, and the squad has responded by shutting out Korean media entirely (1) (2).

The KFA called it "great shock and disappointment" (1). The boycott means no Korean journalists will have access to the team for the rest of the tournament (2). Son, who earned his exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games after stops at Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and Tottenham, has the full backing of his teammates (1) (2).

Your players have drawn a line. They are not talking.

South Korea 2–1 Czech Republic in the opener

Two late goals flipped it. South Korea came from behind to beat Czech Republic 2–1 in their Group A opener on Monday (1). The win puts your team second in the group on goal difference, level with co-hosts Mexico heading into their next match (1).

Hwang In-Beom ran the midfield despite entering the tournament as an injury doubt. The goalkeeper made a crucial late save to protect the three points.

Mexico next, and the group is on the line

Mexico also won their opener. They sit top of Group A on goal difference, and your team faces them in a match that will likely decide who wins the group. Hwang In-Beom has already said he is focused on the challenge.