Woman who blackmailed Son Heung-min over pregnancy confirmed to have abortion

By Hoang Nguyen May 19, 2025 | 07:35 pm PT

South Korean police confirmed that the woman who blackmailed football star Son Heung-min by claiming she was pregnant with him has had an abortion, though the identity of the child's father remains unclear.

Gangnam Police stated on Monday that medical records verified the pregnancy and abortion of the woman, surnamed Yang, who is in her 20s. However, paternity has not been established.

In June 2023, Yang reportedly sent Son an ultrasound image, claimed she was pregnant with his child and demanded money. She later received 300 million won ($220,000) after signing a non-disclosure agreement, Chosun Ilbo reported.

A man in his 40s, surnamed Yong, allegedly became involved earlier this year and attempted to extort an additional 70 million won by threatening to reveal the story publicly. That demand was unsuccessful as Son later took legal action.

South Korea's biggest football star Son Heung-min. Photo by Instagram/@hm_son7

Both Son and Yang have acknowledged a past romantic relationship but dispute the paternity of the child. While Yang claims the child was Son's, the star footballer denies it.

A representative for Son stated that he transferred money out of fear, despite not being responsible for the pregnancy, and that Yang repeatedly demanded money while refusing to meet in person, Korea Times reported.

Son's personal assistant also filed a complaint after being directly threatened by Yong.

On May 14, Son's agency, Football Limited, announced it would "take strong legal action without leniency regarding the continued threats based on false claims."

Police stated the case met the key elements of criminal extortion. Arrest warrants for Yang and Yong were requested on May 15 and approved by the court the following day, citing the risk of evidence destruction and fleeing the country.

On May 17, both Yang and Yong appeared at the Seoul Central District Court for a hearing on the charges. When asked by reporters whether she admitted to the charges or still stood by her pregnancy claims, Yang remained silent. When asked if she had attempted to blackmail Son, she replied "No." Asked if she had anything to say to the footballer, Yang said: "I'm sorry."