In a shocking turn of events, South Korean football star and national team captain Son Heung-min has become the victim of an alleged blackmail attempt involving false pregnancy claims. On May 17, authorities arrested two individuals who are accused of extorting or attempting to extort large sums of money from the footballer.
According to reports from media outlet MyDaily, the Seoul Central District Court has issued arrest warrants for a woman in her 20s, surnamed Yang, and a man in his 40s, surnamed Yong.
There is a concern they may destroy evidence or attempt to flee,” the court stated.
Yang, reportedly Son’s ex-girlfriend, is accused of sending a sonogram image to Son in June 2024, claiming she was pregnant with his child. She allegedly threatened to expose the news publicly unless he paid her 300 million KRW (approximately $220,000 USD). Under pressure, Son complied. Later, she signed a memorandum promising not to disclose the alleged pregnancy.
Yong, on the other hand, reportedly contacted Son’s representatives in March 2025 and attempted to extract an additional 70 million KRW (approx. 50,000 USD), though this attempt failed.
Meanwhile, media outlet MBN reports that police confirmed Yang was indeed pregnant, estimated to be around 5 to 6 weeks into her term. However, whether the child is Son Heung-min’s has not been verified. Police are currently cross-examining hospital records to assess the credibility of Yang’s claims.
So far, Son’s legal team firmly denies all accusations, stating that the materials Yang sent were “clearly fabricated” and insisting they were based on “falsehoods with no basis in reality.”
