Former national football player Ki Sung-yueng (36, Pohang Steelers) has effectively won a legal battle, clearing his name of sexual assault allegations that plagued him for four years. On July 9, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 14 (Presiding Judge Jeong Ha-jeong) ruled partially in favor of Ki Sung-yueng in a ₩500 million damages lawsuit he filed against former teammates A and B, who accused him of sexual assault. The court recognized ₩100 million of the damages claimed by Ki Sung-yueng.

This ruling effectively brings an end to a four-year legal dispute that began in February 2021, when A and B alleged they were sexually assaulted by senior players C and D while at an elementary school football club in Jeonnam from January to June 2000. At the time, player C was identified as Ki Sung-yueng, causing significant social repercussions.

"I Endured with the Belief That the Truth Would Be Revealed" 

On July 10, Ki Sung-yueng shared a post from his legal representative on his social media, expressing his complex feelings about the ruling. He began by saying, "I'm not sure how the past four years have passed. I was able to endure and wait for such a long time because I believed that the truth would be revealed."

He continued, "It was truly difficult and challenging to prove something that didn't happen, but ultimately, I had the valuable experience of witnessing truth prevail and lies expose themselves." He also confessed, "Many lawyers advised me not to go through with such a long and arduous fight. However, living a humiliating and unjust life, misunderstood and ridiculed due to false accusations, was harder than dying," indicating the considerable mental distress he endured. Finally, he expressed his sincere gratitude to all who believed in and supported him.

Intense Four-Year Legal Battle 

In March 2021, Ki Sung-yueng filed a complaint against A and B for defamation and simultaneously initiated a ₩500 million damages lawsuit, commencing his legal response. The subsequent trial, which lasted approximately four years, saw a fierce battle over the truth. The defendants attempted to present evidence to support their claims, while the plaintiff, Ki Sung-yueng, made every effort to prove his innocence.

This first-instance ruling is interpreted as the court finding insufficient evidence to support the claims of defendants A and B, and instead recognizing that Ki Sung-yueng's reputation was damaged by the dissemination of false information. Although the full claimed amount of ₩500 million was not recognized, the court's recognition of ₩100 million in damages clearly indicates that the defendants' claims were false.

Significance of the Ruling and Future Prospects 

This ruling goes beyond merely restoring an individual's honor; it serves as a reminder of the severe problems that false accusations can cause, especially in the context of heightened social awareness following the Me Too movement. It also highlights the reality that public figures, regardless of the veracity of the claims, often suffer immense reputational damage and mental distress from mere allegations.

The possibility of A and B appealing this first-instance ruling cannot be ruled out. If an appeal proceeds, the legal battle will continue to the second instance, and Ki Sung-yueng may have to prepare for another lengthy fight. However, the first-instance ruling so far favors Ki Sung-yueng and is expected to be a significant step toward restoring his reputation.

Ki Sung-yueng recently joined K League 1 team Pohang Steelers, embarking on a new chapter in his football career. Attention is now focused on whether he can shed the troublesome private life allegations from this ruling and once again shine on the field with a lighter heart.