'Detained in China' Son Junho Released After 10 Months... Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Returned to Korea"

Son Junho Detained by Chinese Authorities in May Last Year
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Over 20 Consular Meetings Held"

Soccer player Son Jun-ho
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Son Junho, a football player who played for Shandong Taishan in China and was detained by Chinese authorities, was released and returned to Korea after about 10 months.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 25th through a press release to the press corps, "Player Son Junho's detention has ended, and he recently returned to the country."

Last May, Son was taken into custody by Chinese authorities while trying to return home at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Since then, he has been held on criminal charges and investigated by the Chaoyang Public Security Bureau in Liaoning Province.

As an active national team player, the football community was greatly shocked at the time. The Korea Football Association and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened but with little success, and player Son Heung-min also expressed a message saying, "I hope Junho gets good results soon and can return to the team."

As Chinese authorities actively cracked down on widespread corruption and bribery in their football industry, players and former coaches affiliated with Shandong were arrested or investigated. Son was the first foreign player to be arrested, and he has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing and bribery.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the situation, stating, "We communicated with Chinese authorities through various channels and requested cooperation to ensure a swift and fair process. We maintained close communication with his family in Korea, conducted over 20 consular meetings, and actively provided necessary assistance such as facilitating smooth access to legal counsel."