"This Is How You Do a Championship Interview"... Choi Si-won Brings Back Son Heung-min Video Amid National Soccer Team Controversy

[Financial News]  Amid controversy over remarks concerning the military service benefits received by members of the national soccer team who won gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Choi Si-won (40), a member of Super Junior and an actor, voiced criticism by sharing a past championship interview with Son Heung-min (34, of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)).
On the fifth, Choi Si-won shared a video of Son Heung-min's championship interview from the 2018 Asian Games on his Instagram Story, writing, "This is how you do a championship interview." Although the post did not directly mention the current national team, it was interpreted as targeting some players' remarks and conduct because it was uploaded shortly after the controversy erupted.
The video showed an interview conducted after South Korea won the men's soccer gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games. At the time, Son Heung-min became eligible for military service benefits after winning the gold medal.
At the time, Son Heung-min said, "More than anything else, this was a tournament we came to win—a tournament we came to win for a second straight time," adding, "I think that was the first thing I told the players as well."
He continued, "As a South Korean, I consider it a great honor to represent the country in its matches, and I am always grateful to the people." He added, "Even now, my heart swells whenever I see the Taegeukgi, and I feel I could cry whenever the national anthem plays. To me, the Taegeukgi is something that cannot be exchanged for anything."
Choi Si-won had previously commented on a post criticizing the Asian Games soccer team's remarks about military service, writing, "I believe such remarks would not have been made so easily if there had been consideration for the country and its people, an understanding of the dedication of soldiers who are quietly fulfilling their military duty even at this very moment, and the dignity and responsibility expected of a member of the national team. It is truly regrettable."
Earlier, South Korea's under-23 (U-23) national soccer team, led by coach Lee Min-sung, defeated Japan 1-0 in the final at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on the third and won the gold medal. However, criticism poured in after some players appeared to place significance on the military service benefits themselves immediately after the victory.
Team captain Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon) said in an interview, "If we hadn't won the gold medal, I would have returned to South Korea with nine days left before enlistment. It was an important tournament for the players because of the military exemption, but for me, it was especially right in front of me in practical terms," adding, "I won't have to serve in the military."
Yang Min-hyeok (Westerlo) also said, "Since there was a reward of military exemption, or military service benefits, I think I played the matches with only that in mind." Park Seung-soo (Newcastle) also drew widespread criticism after posting a photo of himself wearing a military discharge cap on social media (SNS) after winning the gold medal.
As the controversy grew, the players each apologized for their careless remarks and actions. The Korea Football Association (KFA) also bowed its head, saying, "We deeply apologize for disappointing and hurting many members of the public and active-duty soldiers through the careless remarks, conduct and interviews of some players." However, the controversy has not subsided easily, and political calls to overhaul the military service exemption system itself continue.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter