Son Heung-min Clears Name in Blackmail Scandal: Prosecutors Confirm Child Was Not His
On June 10, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office (Criminal Division 3, Chief Prosecutor Choi Soon-ho) announced the indictment of Ms. Yang, a woman in her 20s, for blackmail and attempted blackmail. A man in his 40s, Mr. Yong, believed to be her current partner, was also indicted without detention for attempted blackmail.
Prosecutors revealed that Ms. Yang, reportedly Son Heung-min’s ex-girlfriend, sent him an ultrasound image, falsely claiming the pregnancy was his. In reality, the child was fathered by another man. Fearing the potential damage to his career and reputation, Son Heung-min’s camp initially paid ₩300 million KRW (approximately $219,000 USD).
The blackmail attempt didn’t end there. Ms. Yang and Mr. Yong later demanded an additional ₩70 million KRW, but this second request was denied. While early police reports pointed to Mr. Yong as the primary offender, forensic investigations of digital devices and bank records confirmed that both parties colluded in the scheme.
With flight risks confirmed, the prosecution stated, “We will do our utmost to ensure appropriate punishment for the defendants.”
Despite the legal turmoil, Son Heung-min has continued engaging with fans. The football icon has maintained his public presence, appearing on entertainment shows and digital platforms, earning praise for his resilience.
Fans have particularly noted his close friendship with actor Park Seo-joon, with a recent victory celebration photo of the duo further fueling public admiration.
As the legal case unfolds, Son’s dignified handling of the situation has bolstered his image, reinforcing his status not only as a world-class athlete but also as a role model under pressure.
