In June 2024, Heo Woong , a prominent player for Busan KCC Egis , became the center of public scrutiny after his ex-girlfriend—referred to only as “A”—accused him of forcing her to undergo two abortions and sexually assaulting her during their secret relationship.
Accusations of Coercion and Abuse
According to A, the relationship with Heo began in secret and resulted in two pregnancies—one in late 2019 and another in mid-2021. She claimed that Heo pressured her to terminate both pregnancies, allegedly telling her to “keep quiet” and not let anyone know, even while demanding intimacy during or right after her medical procedures.
Leaked messages and audio recordings between the two quickly circulated on social media. One clip allegedly captures A confronting Heo: “You made me get an abortion so I wouldn’t burden you, right?” to which a voice resembling Heo’s replies, “What are you talking about? Why are you suddenly like this?”
Heo Woong Counters with Blackmail Lawsuit
Heo Woong promptly denied the accusations and filed a counter-lawsuit in June 2024 at the Gangnam Police Station , accusing A of blackmail, threats, and anti-stalking law violations . He claimed she demanded ₩300 million KRW (approx. $230,000 USD ) in exchange for not releasing personal messages, photos, and videos.
By September 2024, the Korean police officially cleared Heo of the sexual assault allegations. A was then placed under investigation for attempted extortion , while Heo filed an additional defamation suit against her legal counsel for allegedly coaching A to press false charges.
In June 2025, prosecutors declined to indict A’s lawyer, closing the first phase of the complex legal battle. However, both lawsuits—from Heo’s blackmail claim and A’s forced abortion accusation—remain active in court.
Public Opinion: A Nation Divided
Korean netizens are sharply split. Some believe Heo is trying to salvage his public image, while others view him as a victim of an elaborate blackmail attempt. Many sports fans urged the public to withhold judgment until final legal rulings are issued.
“It’s easy to judge when emotions are high, but the court needs to decide what’s real,” a fan commented on Naver Sports.
Where Is Heo Woong Now?
Despite the controversy, Heo Woong has remained active in the KBL (Korean Basketball League) , continuing to play for Busan KCC Egis. His performance during the 2024–2025 season has remained strong, averaging over 13 points per game , contributing significantly to the team amid injuries and roster changes.
In mid-2025, Heo reunited with his younger brother Heo Hoon , forming the “ Song Heo Brothers ” duo that has been celebrated in Korean basketball circles for their on-court synergy and off-court charisma.
On social media, Heo maintains a low profile, primarily sharing training and team-related content. Many fans have praised his restraint and professionalism, choosing to focus on his career instead of feeding into the ongoing scandal.
While public perception remains mixed, Heo Woong appears committed to rebuilding trust through discipline and performance—one game at a time.
Sources: kenh14
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