A South Korean woman has been handed a four-year prison sentence after demanding money from the country's national football captain, Son Heung-min, through fabricated pregnancy claims.
The defendant, known only by her surname, Yang, received approximately £165,000 from the former Tottenham star in 2024.
She sent him an ultrasound image and demanded payment for her silence.
Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict on Monday, with Yang having denied the charges throughout the proceedings.
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A male co-conspirator, identified as Yong, admitted his involvement in attempting to obtain additional funds from Son.
He was given a two-year custodial sentence.
The court determined that Yang exploited Son's prominent public profile and his susceptibility to this particular form of criminal conduct, inflicting considerable mental anguish upon him.
Judge Im Jeong-bin stated that Yang resorted to "extreme measures" in her efforts to damage the South Korean captain's reputation.
A South Korean woman has been handed a four-year prison sentence for demanding money from the country's national football captain, Son Heung-min
|GETTY
Im said: "It was not limited to simple threats or demands for money - she went further by taking action, such as informing the media and advertising agencies, exploiting Son's status as a public figure."
The judge added that Son "suffered considerable psychological distress as a result of the case becoming public".
Yang never verified the identity of the child's father, according to the court.
Prosecutors told the court that Yang portrayed herself as a victim and claimed the money was compensation.
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Son Heung-min had an iconic 10-year career at Spurs
|GETTY
They maintained that her account did not align with the facts.
Son's representatives did not comment following the sentencing.
His management agency has previously acknowledged that the footballer was acquainted with Yang.
They stated he had received demands accompanied by fabricated materials, South Korean media reported.
Son Heung-min departed Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year to join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC
|GETTY
The 32-year-old departed Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year to join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, bringing to an end his lengthy spell in North London.
Son Heung-min had an iconic 10-year career at Spurs.
In that time, he became a club legend, scoring 173 goals and assisting on 101 in 454 games, and winning the 2025 Europa League.
He was also awarded the Premier League Golden Boot and was the first Asian player to claim the accolade.
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