Ki Sung-yong (36, Pohang Steelers) partially won in his damages claim lawsuit against juniors A and B who identified him as a sexual assault perpetrator.
The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 14 (Director General Jung Ha-jung) ruled on the 9th that Ki Sung-yong partially won in the first trial of his damages claim lawsuit against juniors A and B, stating, "The defendants (A and B) shall jointly pay 100 million won."
This case began in February 2021 when A and B alleged that they were sexually assaulted by their seniors while active in an elementary school soccer team in Jeollanam-do between January and June 2000. Although their names were not disclosed, the details were such that Ki Sung-yong could be identified as the perpetrator.
Ki Sung-yong denied the allegations and filed a criminal complaint against A and B for defamation, along with a civil lawsuit for damages amounting to 500 million won. The civil lawsuit began its first hearing in March 2022 but was suspended to wait for the results of the criminal case, and then resumed in January of last year.
Meanwhile, the Seocho Police Station in Seoul concluded there was insufficient evidence against A and B in August 2023, and also determined that Ki Sung-yong's sexual assault allegations could not be confirmed.
Recently, Ki Sung-yong parted ways with FC Seoul. After a long period wearing the Seoul uniform, he left the team following disagreements over playing time with the club. He scored 14 goals and provided 19 assists in a total of 198 K League matches before transferring to Pohang Steelers.
Ki Sung-yong wears the number 40 jersey at Pohang. This number was used when he first joined as a professional, symbolizing a return to his roots. He noted, "This is the first time I will transfer within the country, and I am excited and looking forward to it. I will create wonderful moments at the prestigious Pohang. I will prepare for each match without regret."
[OSEN]