Seoul: Having been banned for life in China over match-fixing charges, South Korean midfielder Son Jun-ho has found a new home in the second division in his native land. Chungnam Asan FC of the K League 2 announced their signing of Son, though financial terms were not disclosed.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Son expressed his eagerness to contribute to his new team, stating, "I am pleased to have this fresh start with Chungnam Asan FC. I will try my best to help the club get promoted to the K League 1." Son, who was the 2020 K League 1 MVP for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was detained by Chinese authorities in May 2023 while playing for Shandong Taishan FC in China due to bribery charges. He was not released until March 2024.

Son then joined Suwon FC in the K League 1 in June 2024. However, three months later, the Chinese Football Association imposed a lifetime ban on him for match-fixing charges, leading Suwon FC to terminate their deal with Son. He claimed innocence and accused Chinese officials of coercing him into admitting to false charges.

The Chinese Football Association requested FIFA to extend the ban globally, which would have effectively ended Son's career. However, FIFA dismissed this request last month, allowing Son to continue playing outside China. The 32-year-old was reportedly in talks with several clubs in both the K League 1 and K League 2.

Son's last match with Suwon FC was on September 1, 2024. Chungnam Asan will begin their 2025 season on February 23. The team finished second in the 2024 K League 2 season but lost in a promotion-relegation playoff to Daegu FC of the K League 1 in December.