South Korea arrived in Mexico hoping to keep the focus on football. Instead, a leaked training ground recording involving captain Son Heung-min has exploded into one of the first major controversies of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The audio clip, allegedly captured during an open session in Guadalajara, quickly spread across South Korean social media and triggered fierce backlash.
Son Heung-min controversy shocks South Korea camp before FIFA World Cup 2026
The incident surfaced just days before South Korea’s opening Group A match against Czechia. Fans were especially angered because the comments targeted Son’s leadership and military service history, two subjects that carry deep emotional weight in South Korea.
The controversy began during a public training session on June 7 in Guadalajara, Mexico. A JTBC video covering the national team accidentally captured background conversations from people standing near the camera.
One man watching Son warm up reportedly said, “Is it because he's the captain that he runs like a platoon leader?” He continued, “He looks like he’s running in the army. Is it because he’s the captain?” A woman nearby appeared concerned the conversation was being recorded and warned, “Camera, camera.” Despite that, the remarks continued. Another voice then mocked the players’ military service records, claiming they “have never served in the military.”
The comments immediately sparked outrage online. Many supporters argued that attacking players over military service while they prepare to represent the country at the World Cup crossed a line.
JTBC statement fails to calm angry football fans
As criticism intensified, JTBC removed the original video and later uploaded an edited version with the controversial audio muted. The broadcaster denied that the comments came from its reporters and explained that the microphones had captured surrounding crowd noise during the open session. Still, many South Korean fans remain unconvinced. Some online users questioned how unidentified individuals could stand so close to a controlled media area without accreditation.
Son’s military history has often been discussed publicly. In 2018, he helped South Korea win Asian Games gold, earning exemption from mandatory military service. He later completed basic military training and fulfilled alternative service duties through community work and football-related programs.
South Korea vs Czechia FIFA World Cup 2026 match timings
South Korea will now try to shift attention back to football when they face Czechia in their Group A opener.
- India: 7:30 AM IST on June 12
- South Korea: 11:00 AM KST on June 12
- Hanoi, Vietnam: 9:00 AM on June 12
- Mexico local time: 8:00 PM on June 11
- United States (ET): 10:00 PM on June 11
- United Kingdom: 3:00 AM BST on June 12
Indian viewers can watch the match live on United8 Sports and stream it online through Zee5. Meanwhile, Son has stayed silent publicly and continues training with head coach Hong Myung-bo ahead of the crucial World Cup opener.
