Son Woong-jung, the father of Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, has been summarily indicted on charges of child abuse at his South Korean football training centre, the Son Football Academy.
The academy, located in Chuncheon, approximately 80km northeast of Seoul, was opened in 2021 and cost under £11 million to build. It features a clubhouse, classrooms, and six pitches, including a full-sized pitch.
According to Seoul-based news agency Yonhap, prosecutors have demanded that Son senior and two other football coaches at the academy pay an undisclosed fine.
Additionally, they are required to complete a training program designed to prevent further child abuse. One of the assistants implicated in the case is Son Heung-min's brother, Heung-yun, who is three years older than the 32-year-old Tottenham forward.
The charges stem from allegations that Son Woong-jung physically and verbally abused young players at the academy. In one reported incident, he allegedly beat a student with a corner flag for losing a race. Son Woong-jung has acknowledged the incident and issued an apology.
Son Woong-jung, 62, is a well-known figure in South Korea, having played professionally for teams such as Sangmu FC, Hyundai Horang-i, and Ilhwa Chunma.
He also represented South Korea's B team in 1987. Despite his contributions to football and his role in nurturing his son's talent, these allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy.
The Son Football Academy, which has been instrumental in developing young football talents, now faces scrutiny and potential reputational damage due to these serious allegations.
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