A woman in her 20s, identified as Yang, has been accused of extorting 300 million won (approximately $215,000) from Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung Min by threatening to go public with claims that she was pregnant with his child. Authorities confirmed that Yang did undergo an abortion, although there is no conclusive evidence that the child was his.
Yang was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Son. In June 2024, she allegedly sent him ultrasound images, claimed she was pregnant, and demanded money in exchange for her silence. She later received 300 million KRW from the footballer. Son’s representatives stated that they made the payment to prevent the claims from damaging his reputation and that of his team. Yang reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) promising not to publicize the matter after receiving the money.
After her relationship with Son ended, Yang began dating a man in his 40s, identified as Yong. The situation escalated when Yong allegedly demanded an additional 70 million won ($50,000) from Son, threatening to leak the pregnancy story to the media. Yong contacted several news outlets, including JTBC’s investigative program Crime Chief, and shared the story. Although he didn’t name Son directly, he described him as “a Korean football star currently playing for a European team.” According to the program, Yong provided KakaoTalk messages, medical records, and other materials he claimed showed that the player had pressured a young Korean woman to get an abortion.
Yong claimed he found financial transaction records and the NDA on Yang’s phone. He described the agreement as excessively restrictive, saying, “It was binding for life, with a 3 billion won penalty for any breach.” Yong said he requested changes to the agreement, but Son’s agency refused, which led to his breakup with Yang. “I was afraid the terms could affect me if they weren’t changed,” Yong said. “I didn’t ask for money—just a revision—but their agency threatened to sue if I leaked anything.”
Yong allegedly demanded the 70 million won ($2.1 million) from Son while simultaneously tipping off the media and requesting compensation for his information. He reportedly told Son, “I’ve already informed the press,” and “I’m keeping it anonymous for now, but it’ll all come out if I speak.”
On May 17, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for both Yang and Yong, citing risks of flight and evidence tampering. During their hearings, Yang denied colluding in the blackmail scheme, while Yong expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry.”
The case has also sparked controversy over Yang’s treatment during her court appearance. Media coverage showed her restrained with rope, wearing only a mask and tight athletic wear. When she tried to cover her face with a folder while exiting a transport vehicle, police took it away—prompting backlash online. Critics argued that authorities failed to protect her rights, with some commenting, “She’s not a violent criminal—her treatment was excessive.”
>> Son Heung Min Files Police Report Over Pregnancy Blackmail; Suspects Arrested
