Father of Tottenham star Son fined for violating child welfare law at soccer academy in South Korea

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Report

Introduction

On Friday, a court in South Korea fined Son Woong-jung, the father of English Premier League star Son Heung-min, 3 million won ($2,200) for violating child welfare law at his soccer academy. This report highlights the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to this case.

Background

The Chuncheon District Court issued a ruling on Son Woong-jung, who is the director of the Son Football Academy in Chuncheon city. The academy, which opened in 2021, was primarily funded by Son Heung-min, the Tottenham and South Korea star. The estimated cost of the academy was $15 million.

Violations and Penalties

• Son Woong-jung was fined 3 million won for violating child welfare law.
• Two coaches at the academy also received a 3 million won fine each for the same violation.

Complaints and Apology

The parents of a young player reported that their son was physically abused by one of the coaches using a corner flag, and also subjected to verbal abuse. Son Woong-jung denied any wrongdoing but offered an apology and promised to evaluate his coaching methods.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of adhering to child welfare laws and ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes. It also emphasizes the need to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which aim to promote the well-being of individuals and create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

References

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
   • Indicator: None mentioned in the article.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Indicator: None mentioned in the article.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are related to child welfare and the violation of child welfare laws at a soccer academy in South Korea. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs and targets can be identified:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

The issue of child welfare at the soccer academy relates to the quality of education and the well-being of learners. Target 4.7 aims to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. In this case, the violation of child welfare laws indicates a failure to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the young players.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issue of child abuse and violence against children at the soccer academy aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. Target 16.2 specifically aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. The reported incidents of physical abuse and verbal abuse against a young player indicate a violation of this target.

Unfortunately, the article does not provide specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the fines imposed on the director and coaches of the soccer academy can be seen as a form of accountability and a step towards addressing the violations.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: apnews.com