"Is the Money Worthless?"... Man Who Demanded 500 Million Won from Son Heung-min's Father, What Crime Led to Conviction?

Stalking and False Accusation Charges... Suspended Prison Sentence in Appeal
Son Heung-min's Father Previously Accused of Child Abuse
Demanded 500 Million Won Settlement, Saying "Is Money Worthless?"

Soccer player Son Heung-min (left) and his father, coach Son Woong-jung (right). Photo by Yonhap News

Kim (44), who had accused Son Woong-jung (62), director of SON Football Academy and father of footballer Son Heung-min (32), of child abuse and demanded a large settlement, was later revealed to have been sentenced to probation for stalking and false accusation charges.

According to a report by Chosun Ilbo on the 25th, the Incheon District Court's 2-2 Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Jin Won-du) sentenced Kim, who was indicted for stalking and false accusation, to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation, the same as the first trial, at the appeal hearing held on the 15th. The court stated, "The reasons for sentencing unfairness claimed by the defendant and the prosecution appear to be circumstances sufficiently considered by the original court," and "It is difficult to see the original sentence as excessively heavy or light."

In 2016, Kim used an acquaintance B's account to gamble online when his own account was at risk of seizure due to gambling charges. Later, he submitted a false complaint claiming damages through bank transfers to B, leading to his indictment for false accusation. Additionally, from November 2021 to June 2022, he was accused of stalking victim C by sending 103 messages via social networking services (SNS). The first trial court judged, "The defendant continuously and repeatedly used information and communication networks against the victim's will without justifiable reason, causing anxiety and fear," sentencing him to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation. Furthermore, he was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service and attend 40 hours of stalking prevention lectures.

Meanwhile, in March, Kim accused Director Son of child abuse, claiming that his son A, a student at SON Academy, was verbally abused, cursed at, grabbed by the neck, and pushed by Son. Subsequently, Kim reportedly demanded a settlement of 500 million won, saying, "How much does it cost to market Son's image? Isn't the money worth it?"

At the time, Son's side expressed, "We deeply apologize to the child and family who were emotionally hurt," but also stated, "Many parts of the accuser's claims are not true. I swear with all my heart that there was never any behavior by the academy instructors that was not based on love for the children." The prosecution filed a summary indictment on the case in August but did not request any employment restrictions related to child-related institutions that could affect the academy's operation.