Who is the reporter who mocked and badmouthed Son Heung-min? Yonhap News' Ahn Hong-seok, personal information

The shocking controversy surrounding reporters' derogatory gossip about the military directed at the South Korean national football team and captain Son Heung-min! We provide an easy and detailed summary of why Yonhap News reporter Ahn Hong-seok was singled out, his past social media posts, and the current response from the Football Association.

 

1. The Full Story of the Epic Gossip Incident: "Those bastards who didn't even serve in the military"

The incident began at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup base camp training ground in Guadalajara, Mexico. While the national team players were jogging and warming up, the conversation of some reporters at the scene was recorded and leaked exactly as it happened.

 

The content is really shocking. Reporters looked at the players and disparaged them, saying, "Those bastards who haven't even served in the military," and mocked our captain, Son Heung-min, saying, "Just because he's the captain, he runs like an officer in the military."

 

Upon learning this, Son Heung-min expressed his displeasure by refusing a mixed zone interview even after the victory against the Czech Republic, and the Korea Football Association also expressed regret and released an official statement.

2. Why Netizens Suspect Yonhap News Reporter Ahn Hong-seok

As the controversy spiraled out of control, various online communities such as Fmkorea and DC Inside "A search for the identity of the reporter began with the question, 'Who on earth made such rude remarks?' The person most strongly identified in the process was Yonhap News reporter Ahn Hong-seok."

 

There are two main reasons why netizens suspect Reporter Ahn.

Voice similarity: Claims have emerged that the voice in the leaked gossip audio is very similar to the tone of voice used by reporter Ahn Hong-seok during past interviews.

 

Sharp Interviews of the Past Reporter Ahn drew criticism from soccer fans last March after the defeat against Austria, as he openly took issue with Coach Hong Myung-bo's performance and pressured him regarding whether to start the match. At the time, Son Heung-min even directly expressed his displeasure, saying, "If I weren't capable, how could I be on the national team?"

3. Exhumation completed, even past social media posts—the "Korea likes losing" remark?

The controversy was fueled as netizens digging into the reporter's personal background and past actions successively "exhumed" posts previously uploaded to personal social media. There were reportedly many shocking sentences that cast doubt on his qualifications as a journalist.

 

"Wouldn't we have won if Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in had scored just one goal? Why are you only criticizing the manager?"

"Since I'm such a perverted sports reporter, I like seeing Korea lose, and I have a soft spot for themes like the fall of heroes."

In the end, it was a trip where all that remained was Son Heung-min's wavering eyes.

 

As it became known that a sports reporter covering a national team match wrote a post with a nuance that seemed to openly say "Korea likes losing" or mock the players, criticism is pouring in, with people saying, "Isn't it because of that kind of mindset that he even went so far as to badmouth them?"

4. Current Football Association Response and Conflicting Attitudes of Media Outlets

According to current media reports, a total of two reporters are known to be involved in the controversial gossip remarks. However, the way their respective media outlets are handling the situation is completely different, sparking public outrage once again.

 

Reporter B: He personally bowed his head in apology to the team and withdrew from the scene, stating that he would step away from covering the national team in the future.

Reporter C and their affiliated media outlet are pushing back against the Korea Football Association's demand to restrict access, calling it an "excessive measure," and are holding out, insisting that they will maintain their existing coverage policy.

 

 

yet Although neither the Korea Football Association nor Yonhap News has officially confirmed Reporter Ahn Hong-seok's involvement, the majority of netizens are deeply disappointed by the media's disrespectful attitude toward the player and are demanding decisive disciplinary action.

Q&A Most Curious About by Football Fans

Q1. Is it certain that the reporter behind the scenes is Yonhap News reporter Ahn Hong-seok?
A1. Currently, online communities are speculating that Reporter Ahn Hong-seok is a likely party involved based on his past interview voice and social media posts; however, neither the Korea Football Association nor his affiliated media outlet has released any official confirmation or investigation results. It is necessary to observe the situation cautiously for now.

 

Q2. What measures does the Korea Football Association take against the reporters in question?
A2. The Football Association has expressed regret and is currently conducting an official investigation, while also requesting disciplinary measures, such as restricting access, against the press corps in question. However, it is reported that some media outlets are pushing back against this, and negotiations are currently underway.

 

Q3. What are Son Heung-min's current feelings or reactions?
A3. Son Heung-min was deeply hurt after becoming aware of the inappropriate remarks made during training, and as a form of protest, he [did] a mixed zone interview after the victory against the Czech Republic.