Recently, a child abuse allegation has arisen involving 'SON Football Academy,' a youth soccer training institution run by Coach Son Woong-jung. On July 3, 2024, Coach Son and two other coaches were summoned for their first prosecutorial investigation. This case, which is under investigation for child abuse under the Child Welfare Act, has garnered significant attention, partly due to the involvement of Son's son, the famous soccer player Son Heung-min.
Incident Background
The incident began on March 9, 2024, during a training camp in Okinawa, where Chief Coach Son Heung-yoon allegedly struck a child, referred to as B, on the thigh with a corner kick pole, causing injuries that required two weeks of treatment. B's side claims that the coach gave this punishment because B's team lost a game. The coach allegedly ordered the players to run from the goalpost to the center line within 20 seconds, and when B and three others failed to meet the time limit, they were made to lie down and were hit on the buttocks with the pole.
Additional Allegations and Statements
According to the complainant's testimony, Coach Son Woong-jung verbally abused B during the Okinawa training camp from March 7 to 12 for mistakes during training and for not performing well in basic training and games. Furthermore, the statement includes claims that in the academy's dormitory, another coach, referred to as Coach A, repeatedly hit the children on their buttocks and calves, pulled their sideburns, and struck their heads.
Prosecutorial Investigation and Responses
The Gangwon Police Agency forwarded the case to the prosecution in mid-April, and the first prosecutorial investigation took place recently. Coach Son Woong-jung defended himself, stating, "There has never been any behavior or words directed at the children that were not based on love." He also reflected on not fully adapting to changing times and legal standards but maintained that many of the allegations from the complainant are untrue. The academy is fully cooperating with the investigation, aiming to clarify the facts without distortion or concealment.
Conclusion
This incident brings attention to the issue of child abuse in youth sports training environments. Many are looking forward to the thorough investigation and appropriate actions. As legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this case will conclude. The outcomes will significantly impact the future protection measures for children in youth sports training programs and the potential consequences for Coach Son and the other implicated coaches.
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