Gang Extorting 300 Million Won Via Son Heung-min Pregnancy Threat Gets Confirmed Prison Sentence

A gang that extorted 300 million won by falsely claiming pregnancy with soccer star Son Heung-min's child has received prison sentences in both the first and second trials. They appealed the first trial verdict, but the same sentences were confirmed by the higher court.

The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Appellate Division 2-1 (Presiding Judges Kwak Jung-han, Kim Yong-hee, Jo Eun-ah) sentenced Ms. Yang, a woman in her 20s, to four years in prison on charges of extortion and attempted extortion. Her accomplice, Mr. Yong, a man in his 40s, was sentenced to two years in prison. The court stated the reasons for dismissing the appeal were that 'there were no changes in circumstances from the original judgment, and considering the evidence and the results of the defendants' crimes, the original sentences do not appear to be too heavy.' The prosecution had previously sought five years in prison for Ms. Yang and two years for Mr. Yong.

Ms. Yang is accused of extorting 300 million won from Son Heung-min's side by threatening to disclose her pregnancy in June 2024. She is also charged with conspiring with Mr. Yong to demand an additional 70 million won between March and May 2023 by threatening to expose the pregnancy and abortion to the media and family, an attempt that failed. The pair were arrested and sent to trial in June last year, with the first trial court sentencing them to prison terms, deeming that the victim had suffered significant emotional distress due to the crime.