South Korean police have arrested two individuals — a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s — for allegedly blackmailing football icon and Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min. The arrests follow Son’s police complaint accusing the duo of attempting to extort him by spreading false claims.
According to Yonhap news agency, the woman claimed in June 2023 that she was pregnant with Son’s child, sending him an ultrasound image and demanding hush money. Son reportedly paid her 300 million Korean Won (approximately $215,000). In March this year, the male suspect, said to be her acquaintance, also attempted to extort Son for an additional 70 million Won (~$50,000), though he didn’t receive any payment.
Son’s agency, Son & Football Limited, confirmed the blackmail attempt and stressed it would pursue strict legal action without leniency. The Gangnam Police raided the suspects’ homes and seized phones for further investigation. The woman was arrested for blackmail, while the man was taken into custody for attempted blackmail.
“Son Heung-min is clearly the victim in this situation,” said the agency, adding an apology to fans for the troubling news.
Son, 32, is a national hero in South Korea and a football legend across Asia. With a Premier League Golden Boot and numerous goal-scoring records, he remains one of the continent’s most successful athletes.
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