[News Figures] Son Junho, Former Korean National Soccer Player, Detained by Chinese Public Security

Arrested at Airport on Bribery Charges... Football Association Investigates
Shined in K-League as Youth Soccer Team MVP
Helped Lead '2022 Qatar World Cup' to Round of 16

Son Jun-ho (31, Shandong Taishan), who played as a member of the South Korean national football team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has been detained and under investigation by Chinese public security authorities since the 12th. According to Chinese authorities, Son is suspected of bribery. Son and his family have expressed that they cannot accept the charges and have not been informed of the specific reasons for his arrest. Son played for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before moving to the Chinese professional league, where he is currently active.

According to foreign media including the BBC on the 17th, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 16th in response to questions about the investigation progress of Son Jun-ho, "Recently, a South Korean national was detained by the Liaoning public security on suspicion of 'bribery by a non-state actor.'"

Major foreign media, citing Chinese and South Korean diplomatic sources, reported that "the consulate has requested an early meeting with Son Jun-ho and is also in contact with his family." Son’s agent expressed disbelief at the charges. Park Dae-yeon, CEO of NEST Sports and Son’s agent, told the Dong-A Ilbo, "He is accused of making a request to Coach Hao, but why would the team’s star player need to make such a request?"

The Korea Football Association has also begun fact-finding efforts. The association is currently contacting the Chinese Football Association and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) through official letters and various channels regarding Son. Earlier, Son was arrested by Chinese public security at Shanghai airport on the 12th while attempting to depart with his family, and as of the 17th, he has been detained and under investigation for six days.

South Korean men's national football team midfielder Son Jun-ho, who plays for Chinese professional football club Shandong Taishan, is understood to be under investigation by Chinese police authorities while in custody. The photo shows Son Jun-ho during an interview with the national team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
[Image source=Yonhap News Agency]

Who is Son Jun-ho... Led South Korea to the Round of 16 in the '2022 Qatar World Cup'

Born in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk, Son’s position is midfielder. He started playing football in the first grade at Ganggu Elementary School in Yeongdeok. In 2007, while attending Pohang Steel Middle School, he led the team to victory in the Autumn Federation Tournament and was awarded MVP. He also excelled in the middle school selection team, becoming the top scorer in international competitions and was named the Korea Football Association’s 'Best Middle School Player' in 2008. During high school, he led Pohang Steel High School to win the Baekrokgi tournament in 2010 and was named the tournament MVP.

Son entered Yeungnam University’s football team in 2011 and played a major role in Yeungnam’s victory at the 2013 Caffe Bene U-League University Championship during his junior year. He received the Most Valuable Player award for his performance. He then joined K League’s Pohang Steelers in 2014 and transferred to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2018, continuing his professional career. That year, he was selected for the South Korean national football team at the Incheon Asian Games and won a gold medal.

In 2021, Son left Jeonbuk Hyundai and transferred to Shandong Taishan FC in the Chinese Super League, where he plays as a midfielder. Last year, he helped the team win the Chinese Football Association Cup and signed a four-year contract extension. He has also appeared in 20 A-match games, including participating in the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup. During the group H match against Portugal at the Qatar World Cup, Son came on as a substitute in the late stage of the game when the score was tied 1-1, contributing to South Korea’s miraculous comeback victory.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.