A South Korean woman has received a four-year prison sentence for Son Heung-min extortion. She falsely claimed she was pregnant with the soccer star’s child and demanded money to stay silent. The Seoul Central District Court announced the verdict on Monday.
The woman, identified only as Yang and in her 20s, threatened to go public with her pregnancy claim unless Son paid her. She received 300 million won ($205,000). Later, she tried to get another 70 million won. The court stressed that Yang never confirmed who the child’s father was.
A man in his 40s helped her carry out the scheme. The court sentenced him to two years in prison. Together, they targeted Son because of his fame and public image. The judge said their actions caused him serious emotional distress.
Son’s agency previously stated he knew Yang but denied any romantic relationship. They also said she sent him fake evidence to support her claim. This supports the court’s finding that the pregnancy story was false.
Reporters tried to reach Son’s team for comment but did not get a response. The court’s public office also refused to confirm details about the ruling. Officials could not provide the defendants’ lawyers’ contact information.
Earlier this year, Son left Tottenham Hotspur and joined Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. His move marked a new chapter in his career. Yet this scandal drew heavy media attention in South Korea.
Legal experts say the sentence shows South Korea’s growing crackdown on fake claims used to blackmail celebrities. Courts now treat these cases more seriously because they harm victims deeply.
This case highlights the dangers public figures face from people seeking quick money through lies. For Son, the ruling ends a painful episode. He can now focus on his play in MLS and his role as a symbol of Korean football.
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