GUADALAJARA, June 17 -- South Korea's World Cup build-up has been thrown into turmoil after a breakdown in relations with the media following alleged disparaging remarks directed at captain Son Heung-min.

According to The Korea Times, the situation escalated after comments about Son were made during a training session and later circulated online, prompting a strong reaction from the national squad and leading to a breakdown in media access at the team's base in Guadalajara.

Access to players has since been heavily restricted, with interviews cancelled and reporters largely barred from speaking to the squad outside official Fifa commitments.

Reports also said a team media officer has resigned, although this has not been officially confi...