Suspects Arrested for Extortion Attempt Involving Son Heung-min's Alleged Child

Two individuals have been arrested for attempting to extort money from South Korean national football player Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) by claiming that one of them was pregnant with his child. On May 17, Judge Yoon Won-mook of the Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for a woman in her 20s, identified as Yang, and a man in his 40s, identified as Yong, citing concerns over evidence tampering and flight risk.

Yang allegedly received 300 million won from Son, claiming she was pregnant with his child, which led to charges of extortion. Yong, who sought an additional 70 million won, faces charges of attempted extortion. It has been reported that Yang, who previously dated Son, sent ultrasound images to his representatives in June of last year, claiming she was pregnant. Following this, she received a substantial sum of money and signed a document agreeing not to disclose any information regarding the pregnancy.

However, after Yong learned of the situation in March, he threatened to expose the alleged pregnancy to the media unless he received more money, prompting Son's team to file a complaint against them.

Authorities have confirmed that Yang underwent an abortion, as indicated by her medical records. They also verified that the ultrasound images she sent were not manipulated. However, it remains unconfirmed whether Son is the father of the aborted fetus. Son's representatives stated, "Regardless of Yang's pregnancy status, it is certain that the child is not Son Heung-min's."

On the day of her court appearance, Yang was seen in a tracksuit, restrained with handcuffs, and wearing a mask that did not fully cover her face. This led to online discussions about her treatment, with some questioning why she was not provided with a hat to cover her face, sparking a debate over human rights. A police official clarified that two hats, which concealed logos, had been prepared in advance, and it was not the police's decision to prevent her from wearing one.