South Korean Woman Sentenced to 4 Years for Extorting Son Heung-min

SEOUL, South Korea - A South Korean court sentenced a woman to four years in prison on Monday for extorting money from soccer star Son Heungmin by falsely claiming she was pregnant with his child, in a case that highlighted the pressures faced by high-profile athletes.

The woman, identified by her surname Yang and in her 20s, was charged with blackmail after sending Son an ultrasound image in 2024 and demanding 300 million won, equivalent to about $200,000, to keep the alleged pregnancy secret. According to the Seoul Central District Court, Yang had not verified the paternity of the child she was carrying and provided inconsistent testimony about the matter. She denied the extortion charges during the trial. Following the initial payment, Yang conspired with a male accomplice, identified as Yong and in his 40s, to demand an additional 70 million won from Son. Yong, who confessed to his role in the attempted extortion, received a two-year prison sentence.

The court described Yang's actions as going beyond simple threats. Judge Im Jeongbin noted that she contacted media outlets and advertising agencies in an effort to exploit Son's public image, causing him considerable...