Two people have been arrested in South Korea on allegations of blackmailing prominent soccer player Son Heung-min, the captain of Tottenham Hotspur. The Seoul Central District Court issued a warrant for the arrest of a woman in her 20s, identified only by her surname, Yang, for allegedly sending Son an ultrasound photo in June and falsely claiming that she was pregnant with his child. Reports indicate that she managed to extort approximately $214,000 from him in exchange for her silence regarding the alleged relationship.
In addition, a South Korean man in his 40s, surnamed Yong, was also detained after threatening to go public with the alleged pregnancy if Son did not pay him $50,000 in March. As both suspects pose a flight risk, the court has taken measures to ensure their detention.
Son's agency has since stated they reached out to local police to launch an investigation, pointing out that he is the victim of a "disturbing scam." In a statement, they expressed regret over the distress caused to Son's supporters.
During a recent court appearance, Yang declined to respond to inquiries from the media regarding the claims against her, while Yong also remained silent. Yang did assert that she was not complicit in Yong's attempts to extort funds from Son, and the police have noted that the pair were previously acquainted; details regarding this relationship remain undisclosed.
Son Heung-min, aged 32, is hailed not only as a key player for Tottenham but also a significant figure in South Korean soccer, holding multiple records, including the most goals scored by a Korean player in a European league season. After a recent recovery from a foot injury, he is slated to participate in an important Europa League final against Manchester United.
In addition, a South Korean man in his 40s, surnamed Yong, was also detained after threatening to go public with the alleged pregnancy if Son did not pay him $50,000 in March. As both suspects pose a flight risk, the court has taken measures to ensure their detention.
Son's agency has since stated they reached out to local police to launch an investigation, pointing out that he is the victim of a "disturbing scam." In a statement, they expressed regret over the distress caused to Son's supporters.
During a recent court appearance, Yang declined to respond to inquiries from the media regarding the claims against her, while Yong also remained silent. Yang did assert that she was not complicit in Yong's attempts to extort funds from Son, and the police have noted that the pair were previously acquainted; details regarding this relationship remain undisclosed.
Son Heung-min, aged 32, is hailed not only as a key player for Tottenham but also a significant figure in South Korean soccer, holding multiple records, including the most goals scored by a Korean player in a European league season. After a recent recovery from a foot injury, he is slated to participate in an important Europa League final against Manchester United.
