South Korea FA hits out at ‘excessive personal attacks’ on national team players as internal rift rumours grow

Seoul, October 14 — The South Korean football association (KFA) has called on fans to cease "excessive personal attacks" against the national team players, citing the potential psychological strain it could place on the athletes following their World Cup debacle. Coach Hong Myung-bo resigned in the wake of the team's elimination from the group stage in North America, and interim Spanish coach Robert Moreno is awaiting a possible extension.

Internal rifts are rumored to be brewing within the squad, with local media reporting that younger players feel constrained by senior members, notably current captain Son Heung-min. The Korea Football Association (KFA) issued a stern statement condemning unverified information and speculative claims about the players, warning of the "severe psychological burden" such behavior could inflict on individual athletes. The KFA urged fans to desist from "making assumptions about internal team dynamics and fueling divisions."

The speculation of discord intensified after Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae lashed out in anger during the substitution of a teammate during the disappointing 0-0 draw against Venezuela. Kim stated that "every player needs to put their head down and give it their all," which further fueled rumors of divisions within the squad.

The recent controversy follows public outrage over some players who received exemptions from mandatory military service due to their gold medals at the Asian Games. Their post-match celebrations were viewed as evidence that military exemptions were their primary motivation, leading to backlash and prompting Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul to vow to reduce the benefit.