PHOTO: Son Heung

Shocking Allegations

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min faces a major controversy involving his father, Son Woong-jung. According to a police interview transcript provided to AFP by a lawyer, Son Woong-jung allegedly abused a young player at his football academy in South Korea.

Background of the Accused

Son Woong-jung, a former footballer and best-selling author of “The Rise of Son Heung-min”, helped his son achieve stardom in the English Premier League. However, recent accusations have cast a shadow over his legacy.

Incident Report

The accusations involve a 12-year-old player named Kim. Kim’s family claims that Son Woong-jung verbally abused him shortly after his enrollment at the Son Woong-jung Football Academy in November. Kim described the abuse in a police interview.

“I made a mistake during a passing practice,” Kim said. “Coach Son then hurled a barrage of foul language at me.” According to Kim, Son Woong-jung used offensive names and abusive language repeatedly.

Physical Abuse Allegations

The situation escalated further when Kim was allegedly hit with a corner flag by Son Heung-yun, Son Heung-min’s brother. The incident left a large bruise on Kim’s left thigh. Son Heung-yun previously shared in a 2019 interview with AFP that he and his brother endured similar treatment from their father.

“We were hit a lot during training,” Son Heung-yun stated. “Some neighbors even questioned if he was our real father.”

Son Senior’s Defense

Son Woong-jung has defended his actions, calling them tough love. He claims his methods aimed to prevent his trainees from becoming “failed athletes.” He also mentioned attempts to resolve the issue with Kim’s family, but stated they demanded an excessive settlement.

Legal Response

Ryu Jae-yool, Kim’s lawyer, has criticized Son Woong-jung’s actions. Ryu described the abuse as a “culmination of years-long child abuse disguised as training.” He emphasized that the case might lead to legal consequences for Son Woong-jung and his coaches.

“The investigation could result in fines or even court proceedings,” Ryu said. He added that an indictment would help combat physical and verbal abuse against youth in South Korea.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are actively investigating the allegations. They plan to question other young players at the academy to uncover any additional abuse. If investigators find evidence of wrongdoing, they will refer the case to law enforcement for further action. For more information on ongoing investigations, visit Korean National Police Agency.

Broader Implications

The case highlights a growing concern over youth sports practices in South Korea. Advocates call for stricter regulations to prevent abuse and ensure the well-being of young athletes. The investigation into Son Woong-jung’s actions is a significant step in addressing these issues.

The accusations against Son Woong-jung have created a major controversy in South Korean sports. The investigation continues, with authorities aiming to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The case reflects a broader push to eliminate abuse in youth sports and protect young athletes from harmful practices.

In summary, the allegations against the Spurs star’s father have raised serious concerns. The ongoing investigation seeks to address these issues and ensure that youth sports remain a safe and supportive environment. For updates on the case, follow Korean Sports News.