Son Heung-Min and several senior members of the South Korean national football team have dismissed speculation about internal disagreements within the squad. Alongside Lee Jae-Sung, Hwang Hee-Chan, Hwang In-Beom and Kim Min-Jae, Son emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect and shared responsibility as the team prepares for its upcoming international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Doha. The players also expressed their commitment to setting a positive example for the next generation of South Korean footballers.

Rumors of tension within the squad emerged following South Korea's disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite opening the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Czechia, the team suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats against hosts Mexico and South Africa, resulting in an early exit. The disappointing performance triggered widespread criticism, eventually leading head coach Hong Myung-Bo and Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-Gyu to step down from their respective positions.

Reports subsequently suggested that disagreements had developed between two different generations of players. The alleged division involved the 1996-born group, which included Kim Min-Jae, Hwang In-Beom and Hwang Hee-Chan, and the more experienced players born in 1992, particularly captain Son Heung-Min and Lee Jae-Sung. Speculation intensified after Son was left out of the starting lineup for the decisive World Cup match against South Africa, while further reports of tension surfaced following the friendly against Uzbekistan in October.

The situation became even more controversial when reports claimed that Hwang Hee-Chan, Hwang In-Beom and Kim Min-Jae were considering retirement from international football. However, the five players have rejected suggestions that personal conflicts or threats to leave the national team were behind the situation. They explained that their discussions were driven by a shared desire to improve the team's overall performance rather than individual disagreements. Their recent meeting in Doha reportedly provided an opportunity to address misunderstandings and develop a better understanding of one another.

Meanwhile, new head coach Paulo Moreno has expressed confidence in the five players and included them in his squad for the upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He believes their commitment to representing the country is more important than individual talent and considers their involvement essential to the team's progress. With internal discussions now taking place and the players showing a willingness to move forward together, South Korea are hoping to rebuild team spirit, restore public confidence and establish a stronger foundation for future international competitions.