On May 18, 2025, South Korean authorities announced the arrest of a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s for blackmailing the famed soccer player. The woman, identified only as Yang, purportedly sent Son an ultrasound image in June 2024, asserting that she was carrying his child and subsequently received $214,000 to maintain her silence.

Son Heung-min, 32, recognized as one of the premier athletes from Asia and the captain of the Tottenham Hotspur team, enjoys widespread popularity both in South Korea and internationally. Authorities issued arrest warrants due to concerns that the pair may attempt to flee the country.

The South Korean police began their investigation at the request of Son's representation, which stressed that he was a victim manipulated by false claims. Allegations include the man, identified as Yong, threatening Son in March, demanding $50,000 while hinting at exposing the supposed paternity if payment wasn’t made.

As the court proceedings commenced, Yang was escorted handcuffed into the courthouse, avoiding media inquiries regarding Son’s alleged involvement. Notably, she denied being complicit in Yong's extortion attempts. The relationship between the suspects was not elaborated upon by law enforcement.

Though it’s unclear if Yang was truly pregnant at the time of her claims, the unfolding scandal has led to extensive coverage, particularly as Son is an esteemed player known for his record-breaking performances, including being the first Asian to receive the Premier League's Golden Boot.

After recovering from a foot injury, Son is slated to appear in the Europa League final against Manchester United, expected to focus on the game amid this troubling controversy.

Choe Sang-Hun of The Times continues to report from Seoul, delving into ramifications of the case on South Korean celebrity culture.