Son Heung-min reportedly blackmailed by ex-girlfriend

According to Gangnam Police in Seoul, Son filed a complaint on May 7, prompting an investigation into a woman in her 20s, referred to as "A," and a man in his 40s, identified as "B," both facing extortion charges.

A day later, Chosun Ilbo revealed that A was previously in a relationship with Son.

The pair dated for a while before A unexpectedly claimed she was pregnant in June last year, even sending Son an ultrasound image as evidence, JoongAng Ilbo reported.

The woman allegedly requested and received a total of around 300 million won (US$220,000) from Son. In return, she signed a non-disclosure agreement. Son's side reportedly agreed to pay out of concern that public circulation of the false claims would damage both his reputation and that of his team, according to Chosun Ilbo.

After their breakup, A reportedly began dating B. In March, B contacted Son and allegedly threatened to expose the pregnancy claim unless he was paid an additional 70 million won. The ultrasound images were even sent to Son’s father, Son Woong-jung. Son refused to pay and instead filed a lawsuit.

On May 12, police applied for arrest warrants, and both suspects were detained on May 15. Investigators have searched their homes and seized phones and other evidence. Authorities are also examining the authenticity of the ultrasound images.

Son's management agency, Football Limited, issued a strong statement: "Son Heung-min is a clear victim in this matter. We plan to take strong legal action without leniency regarding the continued threats based on false claims."

Son, 32, is considered South Korea's most iconic footballer and a national treasure. He has been named Asian Footballer of the Year eight times and has scored 51 goals in 133 appearances for the national team since 2010. He currently captains Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and made history in 2022 by becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, sharing the honor with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Known for his quiet personal life, Son has previously said he does not plan to marry before retiring from professional football.