On March 11, the Criminal Appeals Division 2-1 of the Seoul Central District Court held the first appellate hearing for a case involving a woman in her 20s, identified only as Yang, and a man in his 40s surnamed Yong. Both were indicted on charges of extortion and attempted extortion after allegedly threatening Son Heung-min with claims related to a pregnancy.
During the hearing, prosecutors asked the court to maintain the original ruling issued during the first trial. The lower court previously sentenced Yang to 4 years in prison for extortion, while Yong received 2 years in prison for attempted extortion. The court concluded the hearing and scheduled the final verdict for April 8.
In her final statement, Yang admitted wrongdoing and directly apologized to the Tottenham Hotspur star. She said she deeply regretted her immature actions and asked for forgiveness.
“I sincerely apologize to Heung-min oppa,” she said in court. “My careless and immature behavior caused harm, and I deeply regret it.”
Yang also expressed anxiety about life after prison, noting that the case had been widely reported in the media. She told the court that she fears her personal information could continue to circulate even after completing her sentence.
“Because the incident became widely known, many people now recognize me,” she said. “Even after serving my time and trying to live a new life, I worry about when or where my identity might be exposed or whether I might face threats.”
Her co-defendant Yong also apologized during the hearing, saying the past 10 months had given him time to reflect on the consequences of his actions. He stated that he realized his behavior could cause serious fear and distress to others and described his conduct as shameful and humiliating.
According to investigators, Yang had previously been in a romantic relationship with Son Heung-min. In June last year, she allegedly sent the player a fetal ultrasound image and claimed she was pregnant with his child, threatening to expose the information publicly. Authorities say the threat led to Son’s side paying approximately 300 million won (around $225,000).
Investigators later determined that Yang had initially attempted to demand money from another man by claiming pregnancy, but when that effort failed, she allegedly targeted Son Heung-min instead by insisting the child was his.
Prosecutors also revealed that after spending most of the money, Yang and Yong—who later became romantically involved—attempted to extort the footballer again. Yong allegedly demanded an additional 70 million won from Son’s representatives earlier this year, though the attempt ultimately failed.
The case has drawn widespread public attention in South Korea due to Son Heung-min’s status as one of the country’s most prominent athletes and global sports figures. The court is expected to deliver its final appellate ruling on April 8.
Sources: Daum | MHN스포츠
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