Son Heung-min, the 33-year-old captain of South Korea's World Cup squad, has led a media blackout after journalists mocked his military service exemption.
What happened?
The incident occurred during a team training session before the World Cup, when a South Korean broadcaster inadvertently picked up a conversation between two journalists making disparaging remarks about Son's exemption.
The footage was then broadcast in Korea, causing great shock and disappointment to the team.
Why it matters for Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min was granted an exemption from compulsory military service following South Korea's gold medal win at the 2018 Asian Games, and was allowed to complete three weeks of basic training instead.
This exemption has been a subject of controversy, with some questioning its fairness.
What comes next?
The Korean Football Association has released a statement criticizing the "inappropriate remarks" made by the media and describing the "great shock and disappointment" that the leak had caused the team.
The KFA has requested that media outlets and reporters show greater consideration and a responsible attitude toward the national team and players to prevent similar situations from recurring.
On June 12, South Korea won their opening game 2-1 against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara.
The media blackout has sparked a tense standoff between the team and the media, with the KFA prioritizing the protection of the players and striving to create a healthy media environment.
FIFA has been approached for comment on the matter.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by athletes like Son Heung-min, who are subject to intense scrutiny and criticism from the media and the public.
Son Heung-min has made 145 appearances for his national team since 2010, and has been playing for Los Angeles FC in MLS, previously representing Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The situation remains unresolved, with the KFA and the media at odds over the issue.
The World Cup is ongoing, with South Korea's next fixture scheduled to take place soon.
The team's performance on the field has been affected by the controversy, with the players struggling to focus on the game amidst the media scrutiny.
The KFA's statement has been seen as a strong response to the media's actions, and has been supported by many in the football community.
The incident has sparked a debate about the role of the media in sports, and the need for respect and consideration towards athletes like Son Heung-min.
The outcome of the situation remains to be seen, with the KFA and the media engaged in a tense standoff.
The World Cup continues, with South Korea's next game eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.
The team's chances of success have been affected by the controversy, but they remain determined to perform well on the field.
The incident has highlighted the importance of a healthy media environment in sports, and the need for respect and consideration towards athletes like Son Heung-min.
The KFA's efforts to protect the players and create a positive media environment are ongoing, with the situation being closely monitored by fans and the football community.
The World Cup is a major international tournament, with teams from around the world competing for the top prize.
South Korea's participation in the tournament has been affected by the controversy, but they remain committed to performing well on the field.
The team's fans are eagerly anticipating their next game, and are hoping for a positive outcome.
The incident has sparked a lively debate about the role of the media in sports, and the need for respect and consideration towards athletes like Son Heung-min.
The outcome of the situation remains to be seen, with the KFA and the media engaged in a tense standoff.
The World Cup continues, with South Korea's next game scheduled to take place soon.
The team's chances of success have been affected by the controversy, but they remain determined to perform well on the field.
The KFA's efforts to protect the players and create a positive media environment are ongoing, with the situation being closely monitored by fans and the football community.