A woman has been sentenced to four years in prison for extorting South Korean football star Son Heung-min. The offender, known only as Yang, was convicted of demanding money under false pretenses, claiming she was pregnant with his child. This case unfolded in 2024, resulting in significant media attention.
Details of the Extortion Case
The Seoul Central District Court found Yang guilty of extorting 300 million won, equivalent to approximately $204,000, from the former Tottenham Hotspur and current Los Angeles FC captain. Yang had sent Son an ultrasound photograph, falsely alleging that the child was his.
In her attempts to manipulate the situation, Yang even conspired with a man named Yong to demand further payments from Son. During the trial, the court noted Yang’s lack of credibility, highlighting that she had not confirmed any biological relationship with the child in question.
Sentencing and Reactions
While Yang maintained her innocence regarding the extortion charges, Yong confessed to his role in the scheme and was sentenced to two years in prison. The court expressed that the defendants had exploited Son’s fame and vulnerability, inflicting considerable emotional distress upon him.
- Yang’s Sentence: 4 years for extortion
- Yong’s Sentence: 2 years for conspiracy
- Amount Demanded: 300 million won ($204,000)
- Claim Made: Pregnancy with Son Heung-min’s child
- Year of Incident: 2024
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Yang portrayed herself as a victim while her claims were inconsistent with the facts. Son’s representatives have indicated that while he knew Yang, he had received her extortion demands accompanied by fabricated evidence.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities that public figures can face and the lengths to which some individuals may go to exploit them. The verdict arrived amidst Son’s transition to Major League Soccer, where he currently plays for Los Angeles FC.
