[Reporter] Claims have emerged regarding a conflict between former national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo and team captain Son Heung-min.
Representative Jin Jong-oh of the People Power Party claimed that he confirmed through a reliable source that a conflict occurred between former coach Hong and Son in the locker room.
Jin explained, "After the match against Mexico, Son Heung-min was talking with the players in the locker room. Former coach Hong approached him and asked, 'What are you talking about right now?' to which Son replied, 'I was discussing the game with the players.'"
Jin further claimed, "Former coach Hong then said, 'Why are you the one talking about that? I should be the one doing it. Everyone, get out.' I have verified the facts."
Jin viewed this incident not as internal strife among players, but as discord between the coach and certain players.
He pointed out, "It was not internal strife among players, but discord between the coach and some players that affected the poor performance."
In fact, former coach Hong excluded veteran players such as Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung from the starting lineup in the final third match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Group A stage against South Africa.
Beyond this, controversies surrounding the national team continue.
In addition to the locker room conflict, it has been alleged that after the interview boycott during the North and Central America World Cup, former coach Hong instructed the national team to resume media interviews, but some players, including Son, did not agree to this.
However, it is reported that the Korea Football Association refuted the claim that Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung were excluded from the starting lineup due to a conflict with former coach Hong.
Former coach Hong, Son Heung-min, and Lee Jae-sung returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport on different schedules after failing to advance to the Round of 32.
Former coach Hong returned to Korea on June 30, while Son and Lee returned on July 1.
Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Graphics by Jung Yu-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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