South Korea’s Son Heung-min Faces Squad Rift as KFA Turmoil Deepens

South Korea’s national team is in turmoil after a disastrous World Cup, with captain Son Heung-min reportedly at the center of a dressing-room rift. During a parliamentary hearing on October 21, politician Jeong Yeon-wook asked acting KFA president Lee Yong-soo about reports that some players refer to Son only as ‘No 7’ or ‘that person’, suggesting leadership discord. Lee acknowledged the reference but declined to comment further. The controversy follows police raids on the KFA and questions over Son’s future as captain, casting doubt on team unity ahead of upcoming fixtures. With tensions between younger and older players simmering, the situation echoes divisive debates around other star forwards like Cristiano Ronaldo. The KFA’s silence leaves fans and officials anxious as South Korea’s football identity hangs in the balance. The coming weeks may determine whether Son can mend bridges or if a new era must begin without its talisman.