{
  "id": 14132758,
  "title": "Nat'l football federation urges halt to personal attacks on players",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/natl-football-federation-urges-halt-to-personal-attacks-on-players",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T05:59:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261013007600315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Korean Football Association (KFA) has urged the public to refrain from hurling insults and personal attacks on players, stating that such behavior does not aid the sport. The KFA noted the recent surge of unverified information and speculative assertions on social media and online communities regarding members of the men's national team. The team, known as the Taegeuk Warriors, has faced scrutiny in recent days due to rumors of internal disputes. After a friendly match against Uzbekistan, three players born in 1996 - Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, and Kim Min-jae - reportedly informed their teammates that they would retire from international play, citing frustration with the leadership group, which includes longtime captain Son Heung-min and his fellow 34-year-old teammate Lee Jae-sung. Online football fan sites and YouTube channels have been flooded with rumors about who started the conflict within the national team, with some supporting Son as captain and others advocating for him to step aside and let a younger player take over. The KFA expressed deep concern over the spread of groundless rumors and vitriol that bordered on libel. The federation stated that while it respects differing opinions and constructive criticism from fans, the circulation of baseless rumors and disrespect that resembles defamation is deeply troubling. Additionally, some moments from training sessions or players' everyday lives have been taken out of context, turning internal strife into fact. Deepfake clips have also exposed players to ridicule and slander on social media and their clubs' social media pages. The KFA vowed to take a stern response against unauthorized use of its intellectual property rights to create and spread false information. The KFA emphasized that each player deserves respect, and while differing opinions are necessary for healthy organization, judging the team based on isolated information and speculation that fuels further conflict should be discouraged. The KFA pledged to provide necessary support for the players so they can focus on their matches and take the responsibility seriously.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- The national football federation on Tuesday called on...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}