In a bombshell investigation, Korean media outlet Dispatch has uncovered the full scope of a blackmail plot involving South Korea's national football team captain Son Heung-min, his former girlfriend Ms. Yang, and a known extortionist Mr. Yong.

Dispatch, a leading South Korean investigative news site renowned for exposing high-profile celebrity scandals and uncovering hidden truths within the entertainment and sports industries, has released exclusive recordings and testimonies that shed light on what began as a private affair but evolved into a multi-layered extortion scheme.

The Beginning: Two Men, One Pregnancy Claim
According to Dispatch’s report, the scandal centers on a pregnancy claim made by Ms. Yang, a 29-year-old freelance model who dated Son in 2024. Unbeknownst to Son, she had also been romantically involved with another man—a businessman—during the same period. In recorded conversations obtained by Dispatch, Ms. Yang admitted she did not know the identity of the child's father but informed both men of her pregnancy.

In the recordings, Mr. Yong—the man who would later attempt to blackmail Son—criticized her for misleading both men:

Mr. Yong: “Then you should’ve gone to just one man, not both. How can you tell two different men the same thing when you’re not even sure who the father is?”

Son, unlike the businessman, responded to Ms. Yang’s pregnancy message. She sent him a test result showing an hCG level of 5,000 mIU/mL—consistent with 5–6 weeks of pregnancy.

The Agreement and Aftermath
Ms. Yang met Son and his female manager in late June 2024, informing them of her decision to terminate the pregnancy. Son agreed to her financial demand—reportedly KRW 300 million (approx. £175,000 / €220,000). A few days later, she underwent the procedure, and the two ceased all contact.

The Plot Thickens: Mr. Yong Enters the Scene
Several months later, Mr. Yong, a 41-year-old man with a prior extortion conviction, entered Ms. Yang’s life through a mutual acquaintance—a well-known Korean shaman, Ms. C. Yong claimed he was romantically involved with Yang and planned to marry her. While accessing her phone, he allegedly discovered a non-disclosure agreement between Yang and Son, which he used as leverage to demand KRW 200 million (approx. £117,000 / €147,000) from Son in exchange for silence.

When Son’s camp refused, Yong threatened to leak the contract to the media and later proposed a new deal: he would provide incriminating evidence against Ms. Yang if Son paid him KRW 70 million (approx. £40,000 / €51,000).

Dispatch reported that Yong also tried to emotionally manipulate Son by blaming the footballer for "impregnating his fiancée" and making their marriage impossible due to the severe penalty clauses in the confidentiality agreement.

The Role of the Shaman and Lavish Spending
Ms. Yang’s close relationship with shaman Ms. C adds another layer of complexity. She relied on the spiritual advisor for major decisions, including when to inform Son of the pregnancy and when to proceed with the abortion. Yang even wired KRW 80 million (approx. £47,000 / €59,000) to Ms. C for rituals, gifts, and luxury purchases—including designer shopping trips and relocating to a new apartment.

According to financial records obtained by Dispatch, Yang spent nearly the entire settlement within a year.

Secret Recordings and Legal Action
Dispatch secured secret conversations between Yong and Yang, where they discussed revising the NDA and planning to use the incident for financial gain. Yong also promised to buy Yang an apartment with any money extorted from Son.

Despite these revelations, Ms. C denied co-conspiring, claiming Yong manipulated and gaslighted Yang during their time together. She told Dispatch:

“Yang came to her senses and tried to stop him. But Yong didn’t listen. He kept blackmailing Son and involved us.”

The Decision to Press Charges
Initially, Son did not dispute the pregnancy claim—despite doubts about the timeline and authenticity of the ultrasound image, which lacked identifying information. He chose to settle privately, believing it was a matter of personal responsibility.

However, after Yong’s continued threats and exposure of Yang’s dual relationships, Son’s legal team decided to pursue criminal charges against both individuals to avoid further extortion attempts.

Ms. C has since pleaded for leniency on Yang’s behalf, arguing she was a victim of Yong’s manipulation and had tried to end the matter peacefully.

Closing Thoughts
This extraordinary case has gripped the Korean public, not only because of Son Heung-min’s status as the nation’s most beloved athlete, but also because of the shocking details involving spiritual rituals, secret recordings, and multiple layers of deception.

Dispatch’s report underscores the risks faced by public figures, even when they choose silence over scandal. For Son Heung-min, this is a personal ordeal that may soon see its conclusion in the courtroom.