According to Chosun, since the charges against the three are not serious, authorities will likely handle the case through a written procedure rather than a public trial.
Son Woong-jung and the two coaches are accused of bullying C, a trainee at the soccer academy “Son Soccer.” C reported being assaulted by coach Son Heung-yoon during a training camp in Okinawa, Japan in March, and has been verbally abused by Son Woong-jung and others since November 2023 for mistakes made during training and matches.
South Korean media also revealed a video showing inappropriate comments made by Son Soccer coaches towards students. When they handled the ball badly, the students were scolded and even insulted.
After the incident was made public, Son Woong-jung issued a heartfelt apology and said there was no malicious intent.
“I swear that none of the actions or words of the academy coaches were without love for the children,” he said. “We know that what we did was against the law. We taught the children according to our principles.”
Son Woong-jung is credited with the success of his star son, Son Heung-min. In an interview, Son admitted that his father’s rigorous training helped him strive to become a top player.
Despite being a respected figure in the youth coaching industry in South Korea, the recent incident has had a serious impact on Son Woong-jung’s reputation and has also affected that of Son Heung-min.
