Two South Koreans have been arrested on blackmail charges involving Premier League footballer Son Heung-min, after claims of pregnancy and extortion attempts.
NEW YORK TIMES
Two South Koreans have been arrested on charges of blackmailing Premier League footballer Son Heung-min with false paternity claims, Seoul police said on Sunday.
A woman in her 20s, identified only as Ms. Yang, was jailed Saturday after allegedly sending Son an ultrasound image in June 2023 and claiming to be pregnant. She is accused of receiving $214,000 to remain silent.
Also arrested was a man in his 40s, Mr. Yong, who allegedly threatened Son in March, demanding $50,000 to keep the matter private.
“We’d like to tell you that Son Heung-min is clearly the victim of this incident,” Son’s agency said Thursday, after requesting a police investigation.
Both suspects are considered flight risks, the court said. Ms. Yang has denied involvement in Mr. Yong’s alleged extortion.
Son, 32, captains Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team. Widely seen as one of Asia’s greatest footballers, he recently returned from injury and is expected to play in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
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