Co-Conspirator Yong Sentenced to Two Years in Extortion Plot Involving Fake Pregnancy and $200,000 Payout.

Son Heung-min

A South Korean court has sentenced a woman in her 20s to four years in prison for blackmailing national football icon Son Heung-min, as reported by sportblits.com.

Seoul Central District Court Delivers Verdict

On Monday, the Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence to the defendant, identified only by her surname Yang, for extorting 300 million won (approximately $200,000) from Son in 2024. Yang allegedly sent the 33-year-old star a foetal ultrasound image, threatening to go public with false claims of pregnancy unless he paid. Reports indicate she spent the money on luxury and designer goods.

Her accomplice, a man in his 40s surnamed Yong, received a two-year prison term for attempted blackmail. The pair have been in custody since May.

Plot Escalates, Leading to Arrests

Earlier this year, Yang and Yong attempted to extract an additional 70 million won, prompting Son—currently excelling at Los Angeles FC with 12 goals in 13 matches—to report them to authorities. This led to their arrest and indictment.

Son testified as a witness in a closed trial session last month.

Son’s Agency: Claims Were Fabricated

Son’s representatives confirmed he knew Yang but stressed the extortion involved fabricated materials. Yang denied the charges of extortion and attempted extortion.

Son’s Legacy and Current Form

One of Asia’s greatest talents, Son spent a decade at Tottenham Hotspur before joining LAFC in August. Despite the off-field ordeal, the South Korean captain remains focused, delivering stellar performances in MLS.

With justice served, Son Heung-min can now fully concentrate on his football as the legal chapter closes.