Ex-Newcastle star Ki Sung-yueng denies sexual abuse speculation in South Korea

Former Newcastle and Celtic star Ki Sung-yueng has denied speculation linking him to the historic abuse of two minors in South Korea.

The 32-year-old has released a statement on his social media after articles in his native country hinted he was the mystery footballer involved in the attack of two schoolmates in 2000.

Ki's response comes after a South Korean lawyer claimed a footballer, who has recently returned to the Asian country, forced two youths to perform sexual acts on him 21 years ago.

"This is Ki Sung-yueng. The content of the reported article has nothing to do with me. It never happened," he wrote on Instagram.

"I bet my football career on it. We decided to respond strongly by mobilising everything necessary for the suffering families. In fact, anyone who makes malicious comments on unconfirmed matters will also face legal action.

"I ran all the way here with my passion for football. It wasn't true, so I thought there was nothing wrong with it, but I realised that it was a serious issue that threatened the life of football and even the lives of my family.

"We will respond positively without being left behind.”

Seoul-based law firm Hyun Law have described the accusations made by two of their clients against a "star player who recently joined a club in the greater Seoul area."

Ki recently rejoined FC Seoul after a short stint at Spanish side Mallorca.

Park Ji-hun, the clients' representative said: "The two younger players fell prey to these perpetrators because they were small and they were introverted.

"Some 20 years after that, they still have vivid recollections of what happened then, and they're still traumatised by those memories.

"First and foremost, the victims want a sincere apology. The hurt inflicted on them has had a serious impact on their lives."

FC Seoul are reportedly looking into the situation but Ki continues to train with the club.

Top trending sport stories right now

  • England star 'loves sleeping pills'
  • Jockey 'took cocaine four times a week'
  • Wilder goes on 'lefties' rant
  • VanZant shares naked snap on bed

    • The midfielder started his senior career at the South Korean side before making a name for himself in Europe.

    Ki joined Celtic in 2010 before moving south of the border to feature for Swansea, Sunderland and Newcastle.

    He was released on Tyneside in 2020 and made one appearance for Mallorca before returning to Seoul.

    Source: Read Full Article