Just hours before their opening World Cup match against the Czech Republic, South Korea is facing an unexpected controversy.

During an open training session for the media, two journalists had their private conversation broadcast live after forgetting to turn off their microphones.

In their exchange, ironic remarks targeting Son Heung-min were overheard, quickly igniting outrage among South Korean fans.

The comments focused in particular on the captain’s attitude during training and his relationship to military service.

The footage quickly went viral on social media, with countless users condemning the lack of respect shown to South Korea’s football icon.

This scandal could not come at a worse time for the Asian squad, who are trying to stay focused on their sporting ambitions as their World Cup campaign gets underway.