Son Heung-min’s World Cup has been pulled into an unexpected controversy after members of the South Korean media were heard mocking his military service.
The Korean Football Association condemned the remarks after journalists were accused of saying the South Korea captain “did not even properly serve in the military”. The episode prompted the Taegeuk Warriors to boycott domestic media.
That situation has put Son’s record back under scrutiny, even though his case is well-documented and ended with recognition during his shortened service.
How Son Heung-min completed his South Korea military service
Military service is a major issue in South Korea, where all able-bodied men are generally required to serve before the age of 28.
Son avoided the standard 21-month service after helping South Korea win gold at the 2018 Asian Games, an achievement that earned him a sporting exemption.
That did not mean he avoided service completely. In 2020, during the Premier League shutdown, Son completed a three-week basic military training programme with the Marine Corps on Jeju Island.
The training included chemical, biological and radiological drills, bayonet work, shooting, battle skills and first aid.
Son was named the top performer among almost 160 trainees and received the Pilsung prize.
He later described the experience as tough but positive, saying he spent every day in close quarters with fellow trainees and tried to enjoy the challenge.
Son also still had to complete 544 hours of community service over the following 34 months.
In other words, his route was shorter, but it was not empty.
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