South Korea's national football team captain Son Heung-min and veteran midfielder Lee Jae-sung were benched for the team's final World Cup group-stage match. This was due to internal disagreements over an interview boycott.

What happened?

On June 7, a broadcaster accidentally livestreamed a conversation among reporters at the team's training camp, which included mocking comments about Son Heung-min's military service exemption. The players subsequently boycotted post-match media interviews.

Why does it matter?

This incident deepened divisions within the squad. Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung wanted to continue the boycott, while other players argued that the team should resume media interviews.

What comes next?

The Korea Football Association discussed when players would resume media interviews, but denied that the issue affected team selection. | Date | Match | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | June 24 | South Korea vs South Africa | Loss |

The South Korean team was eliminated from the World Cup. The benching of Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung due to the interview boycott controversy symbolized the team's internal divisions.