South Korean soccer struggling to get its mojo back

Team stumbles on and off pitch as rivals Japan and Iran clinch World Cup spots

2025-03-25 South Korea Heung-Min Son

South Korea's Heung-Min Son reacts during a World Cup qualifier versus Jordan on March 25 in Suwon, South Korea. © Reuters

JOHN DUERDEN

SEOUL -- South Korea has long prided itself on being Asia's premier soccer power, with more World Cup appearances and continental club titles than any other country in the region. But there is an air of gloom surrounding the sport at the moment, on and off the field.

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