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A South Korean woman who orchestrated an elaborate scheme to blackmail South Korea's national football captain Son Heung-min with a false pregnancy claim has been sentenced to four years in prison, according to Yonhap News TV on Monday.
The woman, identified only by her surname Yang, deceived Son last year by sending him what she alleged was a foetal ultrasound image. She then threatened to expose the alleged pregnancy unless he transferred money. Fearing reputational damage, Son initially complied, sending her 300 million won (approximately $200,000). Investigators later found that Yang used the funds to purchase luxury and designer goods.
Yang, together with an accomplice surnamed Yong, reportedly her romantic partner, attempted to extort an additional 70 million won ($47,600) from the football star. At this point, Son contacted authorities, leading to a formal investigation and the pair’s arrest.
Delivering the sentence, the Seoul Central District Court said Yang’s actions went well beyond simple threats. Judge Im Jeong-bin stated that she had taken "extreme measures" designed to pressure and humiliate Son, including contacting media and advertising agencies in an attempt to amplify her claims and exploit Son’s high-profile status.
The court emphasized that Son experienced “considerable psychological distress” because the matter became public, noting the emotional toll the case took on the athlete as the claims circulated widely.
Yong was sentenced to two years in prison for attempted blackmail. Both defendants have been in custody since May.
Despite Yang’s insistence that she believed the fetus was Son’s, the court found her testimony inconsistent. Judge Im Jeong-bin noted that Yang never confirmed the paternity of the alleged pregnancy and appeared to have made assumptions without verification. Local media have also reported speculation that the pregnancy may have been terminated, though no clear evidence has been presented.
Son appeared at a closed trial session last month to testify as a witness, offering a detailed account of the events that led to the extortion attempt.
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