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

South Korea's national football team is grappling with severe internal divisions, leadership controversies, and police raids at the Korea Football Association following a group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. Lawmakers recently questioned acting KFA president Lee Yong-soo over allegations that squad members refer to captain Son Heung-min indirectly rather than by name amid a broader breakdown in team cohesion.

Tensions have escalated between generational factions, with senior figures including Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan reportedly seeking leadership changes and fresh direction. Following the departures of coach Hong Myung-bo and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu, interim manager Robert Moreno is overseeing the squad ahead of the Asian Cup scheduled to begin in January.