Ex-girlfriend reportedly in relationship with Son Heung-min and another man at same time

By Hoang Nguyen May 21, 2025 | 03:08 pm PT

An audio recording alleges that the woman accused of blackmailing South Korean football star Son Heung-min was involved with both him and another man around the same time, leading to uncertainty over the paternity of her pregnancy.

The recording, released by South Korean outlet Dispatch, captured a conversation between Yang (in her 20s) and a man surnamed Yong (in his 40s), both charged with blackmail and attempted extortion, reveals that Yang admitted to having sexual relations with two men simultaneously: Son and a businessman. She confessed she was unsure who the father was and contacted both men regarding her pregnancy.

Last June, Yang demanded 300 million won from Son after claiming she was pregnant and sent him an ultrasound image as proof. She signed a non-disclosure agreement to keep the matter private, and Son complied with her demands. Yang later had an abortion, and the two lost contact, Chosun Ilbo reported.

Son Heung-min during a game for the South Korea national football team. Photo by Instagram/@hm_son7

Things got complicated when Yong, claiming to be Yang’s fiancé, discovered the agreement between Yang and Son on her phone. Yong approached Dispatch and demanded 20 million won to provide documents related to Yang and Son.

Yong reportedly made similar demands to Son’s representatives. When ignored, he shifted strategy, encouraging them to file a lawsuit against Yang for fraud and extortion and offered to supply evidence in exchange for 70 million won.

Son’s team initially doubted the pregnancy claim, noting the ultrasound lacked relevant details and the conception date did not align with their meetings. Despite this, Son acknowledged his past relationship with Yang and complied with her requests for money.

After reviewing documents from Yong, Son’s team learned Yang had met another man during their relationship. Consequently, Son filed an extortion lawsuit against Yang on May 7.

Gangnam Police arrested both Yang and Yong on May 14. The following day, police requested arrest warrants, which Seoul Central District Court approved on May 17, citing risks of evidence destruction and fleeing the country.

Son, 32, is considered South Korea's most iconic footballer and a national treasure. Known for his quiet personal life, the Tottenham Hotspur captain has previously said he does not plan to marry before retiring from professional football.