Roster rifts, police raids and Son's uncertain future leave South Korea at a crossroads

South Korea's national team is in crisis after a World Cup disaster, with tensions between older and younger players threatening captain Son Heung-min's standing and prompting senior stars to consider quitting.

South Korea's national team is in turmoil following a disastrous 2026 World Cup campaign that saw a group-stage exit and a media boycott. The situation has escalated into a political matter, with a parliamentary committee questioning the Korea Football Association about discord within the squad, specifically regarding captain Son Heung-min's divisive role. Players have reportedly taken to calling him "No 7" or "that person" rather than by his name.

The crisis runs deeper than the World Cup result. Tensions between older and younger players have reached an unusual intensity, with the class of 1996—including Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae, Porto's Hwang In-beom, and Schalke's Hwang Hee-chan—reportedly unhappy with the team's leadership. After the World Cup, these senior players wanted a fresh start with a new captain and coach. Kim Min-jae has publicly complained about effort levels, while Hwang In-beom said he is "tired physically and mentally" and that necessary changes are not happening. Reports suggest the three considered quitting the national team before being persuaded otherwise by KFA officials.

The federation is in a holding pattern with interim coach Robert Moreno appointed only until the end of November and no permanent president in place. The Asian Cup, which South Korea has not won since 1960, is just weeks away, adding urgency to the crisis.