Two South Koreans were arrested on charges of blackmailing soccer star Son Heung-min, asserting false pregnancy claims. The case highlights the intersection of sports stardom and personal privacy amid societal pressures.
Arrests Made in Blackmail Case Involving South Korean Soccer Star Son Heung-min
Arrests Made in Blackmail Case Involving South Korean Soccer Star Son Heung-min
Police apprehend two individuals accused of attempting to extort money from Tottenham Hotspur captain over false paternity claims.
Two individuals were taken into custody on blackmail charges connected to South Korean soccer player Son Heung-min, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and is highly regarded in his home country. The arrests came after allegations surfaced that a woman, in her 20s, purportedly claimed she was pregnant with Son's child and demanded a substantial sum for her silence.
According to police reports, the woman allegedly sent Son an ultrasound image last year, claiming to be carrying his child. For her silence, she is accused of receiving approximately $214,000 from him. The situation escalated further when a man in his 40s was also arrested, accused of threatening to disclose the alleged scandal if he did not receive $50,000 from Son.
The Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for both individuals on account of their being considered flight risks. The suspects were brought before a judge, where the woman, referred to by the surname Yang, declined to answer questions regarding the pregnancy claims. The man, identified as Yong, also refused to comment.
In a statement, Son's agency confirmed that they had reported the alleged blackmail to authorities and emphasized that Son is a victim in this scenario. The agency expressed regret for the concerns this situation has raised among Son's fans and supporters, further stating that the claims made by the suspects were unfounded.
While the duo is said to know each other, details about their relationship or whether the woman was ever pregnant remain unclear. Son Heung-min, 32, not only leads his club team but also represents South Korea's national soccer squad, holding records for outstanding performance amid high expectations from the public and media.
Recently, after dealing with a foot injury that sidelined him for a month, Son returned to action on the pitch, preparing for an upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United. This incident underscores the complexities faced by athletes in maintaining their privacy and integrity in the public eye.
