A South Korean court has sentenced a woman in her 20s to four years in prison after she was found guilty of blackmailing football star Son Heung-min. Her accomplice, a man in his 40s, received a two-year jail term for attempted blackmail.

The woman falsely claimed she was pregnant with Son’s child, extorting ₩300 million ($200,000; £153,000) from the former Tottenham Hotspur captain. She threatened to go public if he did not comply, later spending the money on luxury and designer goods, according to AFP.

Court Findings


  • Prosecutors accused her of “thoroughly planning the crime”, despite her insistence that the money was compensation.

  • The accomplice threatened Son 15 times to secure payment.

  • When the pair demanded more money this year, Son reported the matter to police.

  • The judge noted the duo had abused Son’s celebrity status, causing him “intense mental anguish” once the case became public.

Son’s Career Context


  • Tottenham Hotspur: Spent 10 years, becoming one of the club’s icons.

  • MLS Move: Joined Los Angeles FC in August 2025 in the league’s most expensive transfer.

  • Earnings: Named the second-highest paid footballer in MLS in October.

  • Historic Achievement: First Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot (2022).

  • Legacy: Widely regarded as Asia’s greatest football export, enjoying immense popularity across the continent.

This case underscores the risks of celebrity exploitation and highlights Son’s resilience as he continues to thrive on the pitch despite personal challenges.