AS Chungnam Asan Son Jun-ho returns in trust of the coach, early leaving work → interview no...Fan booing is a mountain to overcome

Feb 24, 2025

AS Chungnam Asan Son Jun-ho returns in trust of the coach, early leaving work → interview no...Fan booing is a mountain to overcome
photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association



AS Chungnam Asan Son Jun-ho returns in trust of the coach, early leaving work → interview no...Fan booing is a mountain to overcome
photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association
'National team midfielder' Son Joon-ho (33, Asan, Chungnam) is back. Son Joon-ho has been on a rollercoaster ride for the past two years. He was detained for about 10 months after being caught by Chinese police while trying to return home through Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China, in May 2023. He was released in March last year and returned to Korea. Son Joon-ho, who has been working in Korea for three months, returned to the K League 1 stage in June last year wearing the uniform of Suwon FC.

There is a problem. On September 10 last year, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) permanently expelled Son Joon-ho for match fixing. Son Jun-ho's life was again at a crossroads. He immediately held a press conference and said, `I didn't rig the match" he appealed. However, public opinion has deteriorated. Suwon FC terminated Son Jun-ho's contract on September 14, 2024, after much consideration. Son Jun-ho didn't give up. While waiting for FIFA's decision, he prepared for his return. FIFA rejected the CFA's request to expand Son's punishment around the world. Son Joon-ho will be able to continue his career with FIFA's relief. He wore a uniform for Asan, South Chungcheong Province, through the winter transfer market. Asan, South Chungcheong Province, had a top player by betting a large amount of money.

Son Joon-ho took the opportunity to open the game against Seoul E-Land at the main stadium of Mokdong Stadium on the 23rd with the opening game of the 「Hana Bank K League 2 2025」.




Before the game, Bae Sung-jae, head coach of South Chungcheong Asan, said, `I felt Son Jun-ho was a professional as well. His body condition was 80 to 90 percent. I thought I could learn tactics and systems, but I quickly adapted to Jeju winter training. I don't know when to put it in, but I have a plan", hinting at the appointment.

Son started the game on the bench as announced. He played in place of Park Se-jik in the 13th minute of the second half when his team was losing 0-2. Son Joon-ho, who slowly raised his senses, helped Kim Jong-min score with a sharp pass at the end of the game. Chungnam Asan lost 1-2, but Son Jun-ho showed an unchanged class.

After the game, head coach Bae said "There is no problem in terms of skills. He is a proven player. I saw when to put it in. I thought it would be necessary to put in the second half, so I put it in after thinking about it at half-time. As expected, I did as ordered. I made a decisive connection. I find it encouraging." However, after the game, Son Jun-ho's feelings about returning could not be heard. According to the club, Son Jun-ho's family came and left work early individually, making it difficult for him to interview.




On this day, Son Jun-ho showed a play that lived up to the coach's belief. But there is still a mountain to climb. It's the heart of a fan. When Son Joon-ho entered the ground on this day, some of the stadium booed.

South Chungcheong Province will face Hwaseong FC on March 2. Coach Bae said, "(I will decide whether to start or not) as we analyze the next Hwaseong game and prepare through meetings."






This article was translated by Naver AI translator.