Son Heung-min Files Criminal Complaint After Being Blackmailed for £162,000 — Claims Evidence Was Faked

South Korean football star and national team captain Son Heung-min has become the target of an alleged blackmail plot involving false pregnancy claims and extortion, according to multiple media outlets in South Korea. Authorities have confirmed that two individuals have been arrested and are under investigation on charges of blackmail and attempted blackmail.

■ The Allegations: Pregnancy Claims & a ₩300 Million Payout
The main suspect, a woman in her 20s identified only as "A", is accused of demanding KRW 300 million (approx. $220,000 USD, £162,000) from Son last year, claiming she was pregnant with his child. According to investigators, she sent ultrasound images via social media to Son’s representatives and requested money in exchange for keeping the alleged pregnancy private.

Reports indicate that Son’s camp, unsure of the truth at the time and wishing to avoid a media scandal, transferred the requested amount. A reportedly also signed a written agreement to stay silent on the matter.

However, questions have now arisen over the authenticity of the materials A used to support her claim. Police say that the timeline of events she provided does not align with statements made by Son and his representatives. Authorities are currently reviewing whether the documents and photos were fabricated as part of a premeditated scheme.

■ Attempted Second Extortion
In a further twist, A’s acquaintance — a man in his 40s referred to as "B" — allegedly learned of the incident and attempted to blackmail Son’s side again in March 2025. He is reported to have demanded KRW 70 million (approx. $51,000 USD) and threatened to leak the pregnancy story to the press if payment was not made.

In a particularly bold move, B allegedly sent ultrasound images by fax directly to Son's father, Son Woong-jung, who runs the “SON Football Academy.” Son's camp refused to pay a second time and filed an official complaint with the police on May 7.

■ Arrests, Search & Seizure
Following the complaint, the Seoul Gangnam Police executed arrest warrants on May 14 and apprehended both A and B. Police have searched their residences and seized mobile phones and other digital materials for forensic analysis. Authorities are now applying for formal arrest warrants for both suspects and continuing to investigate the validity of the evidence presented by A.

■ Son's Agency Responds: "No Leniency"
Son’s agency, Son and Football Ltd., released a firm statement vowing to pursue the matter legally without compromise:

“Son Heung-min is clearly the victim in this matter. We filed a police report against those who have spread false information and threatened him. These are baseless and malicious claims, and we will take strong legal action with no leniency.”

The agency also offered an apology to fans for the distress caused by the incident, adding that they would fully cooperate with the police and provide updates as the investigation progresses.

■ Public Reaction & Next Steps
The case has drawn widespread attention in Korea and abroad, not only because of Son’s stature as captain of the Korean national team and forward for Tottenham Hotspur, but also due to the sensitive nature of the alleged crime involving false pregnancy claims and coercion.

Police continue to investigate whether the ultrasound images were real or doctored, and whether other individuals were involved in the extortion scheme.

As the legal process unfolds, Son Heung-min remains focused on his football duties, while his legal team works to ensure that those responsible face full accountability under the law.