South Korean soccer player detained in China over bribery allegations released after nearly 1 year

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced a new multi-year military exercise plan involving the U.S., Japan and South Korea in response to provocations from China and North Korea.

A star South Korean soccer player who was detained and investigated in China for nearly a year over bribery allegations has been released and returned home, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said Monday.

Son Jun-ho, a former member of the South Korean national team who had played professionally in China, was detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport in May on suspicion of taking bribes.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Son was back in South Korea but didn’t provide further details, including when he returned or whether the charges against him were proven.

SOUTH KOREA'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM PICKS SON JUN-HO DESPITE HIS DETENTION IN CHINA

South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper, citing anonymous sources, reported that Son returned Monday afternoon.

South Korea's Son Jun-ho speaks during a press conference before a training session at Al Egla Training Site 5 on Nov. 22, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Son has been released and returned home, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

Son had played for Shandong Taishan and won the 2021 Chinese championship with the Jinan-based club. Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post reported last year that the bribery allegations concerned suspected match-fixing involving the team’s coach, Hao Wei.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"We have been communicating with Chinese authorities through various channels to request their cooperation in ensuring a fast and fair process (for Son) while also communicating closely with his family in South Korea," the South