A South Korean soccer player who was detained in China for nearly a year over bribery allegations has been released and returned home, according to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry. Son Jun-ho, a former member of the South Korean national team who played professionally in China, was detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport in May on suspicion of taking bribes.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Son has returned to South Korea, but did not provide further details regarding his return or the status of the charges against him. Reports indicate that Son returned on Monday afternoon, following his detention in China.
Son had been playing for Shandong Taishan and was part of the team that won the 2021 Chinese championship. Allegations of bribery were linked to suspected match-fixing involving the team’s coach, Hao Wei, as reported by the South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper and the South China Morning Post.
The South Korean ministry stated that they had been in communication with Chinese authorities to ensure a fair and expedited process for Son. They also mentioned providing consular interviews to Son to offer assistance and ensure access to legal representation.
Son, aged 31, had previously played for South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before joining Shandong Taishan in 2021 on a four-year contract. He has represented South Korea in international matches, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Chinese soccer has faced challenges in combating corruption within the sport, with ongoing efforts to improve its reputation and integrity.
