May 16 – South Korean international and Tottenham Hotspur captain, Son Heung-min, has filed a criminal complaint with South Korean police after becoming the victim of an alleged blackmail plot.
The Spurs skipper, who has endured a challenging season with the North London club, was threatened by a woman making false pregnancy claims.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that police at the Gangnam police station have detained a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion.
According to allegations, the woman approached Son last year claiming she was pregnant with his child. She then reportedly demanded money in exchange for her silence. Her male accomplice followed up in March with further attempts to extort money from the footballer.
While Son has not personally commented on the case, his agency, Son & Football Limited, released a statement confirming the South Korea captain is the “clear victim in this case.”
“Son & Football Limited has filed a criminal complaint for blackmail against individuals who threatened the player by claiming they would spread false information,” his agency stated.
“The police are currently investigating the matter, and we will provide updates as soon as the investigation concludes.
“We will take strong legal action against those who engaged in blackmail and intimidation based on clearly false claims.”
Under South Korean law, blackmail is treated as a serious offense. The Criminal Act of South Korea stipulates that those convicted of blackmail can face imprisonment for up to five years or fines of up to 15 million won (approximately $11,000). In cases involving substantial amounts of money or aggravating circumstances, sentences can be significantly more severe.
It has been a particularly difficult campaign for Son, who has battled numerous injuries while watching his team struggle in the Premier League, currently sitting in 17th place. However, the Korean star has an opportunity to end the season on a high note next Wednesday night when Spurs face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao, Spain.
For the winners a prestigious European trophy but also the coveted prize of Champions League qualification for next season.
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