South Korean police have confirmed that a woman who attempted to blackmail Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min by claiming to be pregnant with his child underwent an abortion, though the paternity of the child remains unverified.
The Gangnam Police disclosed on Monday that medical records proved the woman, identified only by her surname, Yang, and in her 20s, was previously pregnant but terminated the pregnancy. Authorities have not established whether Son was the father.
According to reports from Chosun Ilbo, Yang contacted the footballer in June 2023, sending him an ultrasound image and demanding money in exchange for her silence. She later received 300 million won (approximately HK$1.68 million) after signing a non-disclosure agreement.
The case escalated earlier this year when a man in his 40s, surnamed Yong, allegedly tried to extort an additional 70 million won (around HK$393,600) by threatening to expose the story publicly. The attempt failed, prompting Son to pursue legal action.
Both Son and Yang have admitted to a past relationship but dispute the paternity claim. While Yang insists the child was his, the footballer has denied any responsibility.
A representative for the South Korean captain told the Korea Times that he transferred the money out of fear, despite not being the father, and that Yang repeatedly demanded payments while refusing to meet in person. Son’s personal assistant also filed a complaint after receiving direct threats from Yong.
On May 14, Son’s agency, Football Limited, vowed to take strong legal action without leniency against ongoing threats based on false allegations.
Police determined the case met the criteria for criminal extortion and sought arrest warrants for Yang and Yong on May 15. A Seoul court approved the warrants the next day, citing concerns over evidence tampering and flight risk.
During a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on May 17, Yang remained silent when asked by reporters if she admitted to the charges or stood by her pregnancy claims. When questioned whether she had attempted to blackmail Son, she replied, "No." Pressed further, she offered a brief apology to the footballer, saying, "I'm sorry."
