KUALA LUMPUR – South Korean police have arrested a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s for allegedly blackmailing Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min by falsely claiming the woman was pregnant with his child.
The Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for both individuals on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion, citing risks of flight and evidence destruction, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The woman allegedly approached Son in June last year, claiming to be pregnant and demanding money in exchange for keeping the matter private. She reportedly sent Son an ultrasound image and received over 300 million won (US$215,000 or RM923,000).
The man, believed to be her acquaintance, is suspected of attempting to extort a further 70 million won from Son in March. He reportedly did not receive any money.
Son filed a criminal complaint with police last week.
“Son & Football Limited has filed a criminal complaint for blackmail against individuals who threatened the player by claiming they would spread false information,” his agency said in a statement.
“The police are currently investigating the matter, and we will provide updates as soon as the investigation concludes. We will take strong legal action against those who engaged in blackmail and intimidation based on clearly false claims.”
Police have raided the suspects’ homes, seized their phones, and are working to verify the authenticity of the ultrasound image.
Gangnam Police Station confirmed both suspects had been detained. Son’s agency stated the South Korean forward, who has scored 173 goals in 451 games for Spurs since joining in 2015, is the “clear victim in this case.” – May 18, 2025