The controversy surrounding inappropriate remarks made by some reporters during a training session of the South Korean national football team has intensified, with speculation circulating online about a specific sports journalist being one of the individuals involved. However, as of now, neither the Korea Football Association (KFA) nor the media outlet has officially confirmed the reporter's involvement.
On June 18, various online communities and social media platforms saw posts spreading the name and profile of a particular sports journalist, referred to as Reporter A. The posts included a clip of Reporter A asking Son Heung-min aggressive questions regarding his performance in national team matches shortly after an A-match. At that time, Reporter A asked, "You score well for your club, but why have you gone silent for three consecutive national team games?" This question reportedly left Son Heung-min taken aback.
Additionally, in another interview, Reporter A questioned head coach Hong Myung-bo about Son Heung-min's performance and whether he would be utilized in upcoming matches. Coach Hong responded, "Son Heung-min is the core of our team," expressing unwavering trust in the player.
In response, netizens have claimed that the voice in the controversial remarks recorded during the recent training session resembles that of Reporter A, sharing posts from his social media accounts.
The posts shared online also included comments from Reporter A regarding the national team's match results and player performances. In one post, he stated, "If Son Heung-min or Lee Kang-in had scored even one of those chances yesterday, wouldn't we have won? How can we win if we miss all those opportunities? But why is only the coach being criticized?" He further expressed mixed feelings about the team's performance, saying, "Today, strangely, I felt relieved when we scored first, frustrated when we conceded, and clenched my fists when Son Heung-min scored. In the end, all that remains is Son Heung-min's trembling eyes from that outing."
The conflict between the national team and the media has also drawn attention. On June 17, Metro Newspaper reported that complaints had been raised within the national team regarding two specific reporters, with players demanding action from the media corps.
According to the report, one of the reporters identified as problematic has expressed a willingness to apologize to the team and stated he would refrain from covering future national team events. In contrast, the media outlet of the other reporter has maintained that the request for access restrictions is excessive and has upheld its existing coverage policy.
Most netizens reacting to the posts have expressed concerns, stating, "The mockery of certain players is too severe," and "It seems like objectivity has been lost."
Conversely, some voices have urged caution, arguing, "We cannot conclude intentions solely based on social media posts," and "The allegations currently raised have not been confirmed as facts."
Meanwhile, the KFA and the relevant media outlet are reportedly conducting an official investigation and considering follow-up actions. However, there are calls for a careful approach regarding the posts circulating online about the specific reporter.
Netizens have emphasized, "Respect for players should come first," and added, "While questions and criticism are valid, mockery is unacceptable," urging that both the national team and the media need to restore trust amid this controversy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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