A woman in South Korea has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to blackmail Heung-min Son, according to a ruling released Monday by a Seoul court. The woman, identified only as Yang, was found guilty of trying to extort the former Tottenham Hotspur forward by sending him a baby ultrasound in 2024 and claiming the child was his, demanding money in exchange for her silence.

Yang initially requested 300 million won (approximately $204,000) and later conspired with a man identified as Yong to extort even more money from the footballer. The Seoul Central District Court stated that Yang “lied” to Son, emphasizing that there was no confirmation of who the baby’s father actually was.

The court noted that Yang denied the charges of extortion and attempted extortion, while Yong confessed and received a two-year prison sentence.

A High-Profile Target: Son’s Status Made Him Vulnerable

At 33, Son remains one of Asia’s most accomplished and recognizable footballers. After a decade starring for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, the South Korean attacker signed with LAFC in August, beginning a new chapter in MLS.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported in May that a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s had been arrested for attempting to blackmail Son in June of the previous year, when he was still playing for Tottenham. Prosecutors argued that the pair used the fabricated ultrasound as leverage, exploiting Son’s fame and public image.

Justice Brings Closure After a Disturbing Ordeal

The ruling brings an end to a troubling and deeply personal situation for Son, who has long cultivated a reputation for professionalism and humility both on and off the field. While the forward has not publicly commented on the case, those close to him revealed that the attempt to damage his character was emotionally distressing.