A Seoul court has handed down a four-year prison sentence to a woman who blackmailed South Korean football star Son Heung-min over an alleged paternity scam. Yang, 33, was found guilty of extortion after she sent Son an ultrasound photo claiming the baby on the image belonged to him and demanded money to keep quiet. She later teamed up with a man, identified as Yong, who had confessed to their scheme.
The court ruled that Yang "lied" to Son, despite not confirming whose child she claimed was his. However, Yang maintained her innocence throughout the trial. Her accomplice, 40-year-old Yong, received a significantly lighter sentence of two years in prison for his role in extorting money from the footballer.
Son Heung-min, a key player on LAFC and one of Asia's top footballers, has been embroiled in a paternity scandal that began last year. In May, it was reported that Yang and her accomplice had been detained by authorities in suspicion of attempting to blackmail Son while he was still playing for Tottenham. Since joining LAFC this summer, Son has notched up 12 goals in just 13 matches, showcasing his incredible skill on the pitch despite the off-field drama.
The court ruled that Yang "lied" to Son, despite not confirming whose child she claimed was his. However, Yang maintained her innocence throughout the trial. Her accomplice, 40-year-old Yong, received a significantly lighter sentence of two years in prison for his role in extorting money from the footballer.
Son Heung-min, a key player on LAFC and one of Asia's top footballers, has been embroiled in a paternity scandal that began last year. In May, it was reported that Yang and her accomplice had been detained by authorities in suspicion of attempting to blackmail Son while he was still playing for Tottenham. Since joining LAFC this summer, Son has notched up 12 goals in just 13 matches, showcasing his incredible skill on the pitch despite the off-field drama.
. I mean, who does that? Blackmailing someone over a paternity scandal? It's like, you're already dealing with some serious pressure and stress because of your kid's well-being, and then you get hit with this? 
And the fact that Yang lied to Son about whose child she claimed was his, that just adds fuel to the fire. I feel so bad for Son, he's doing his thing on the pitch while dealing with all this drama off the field... 4 years in prison is a bit harsh though 
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A woman tries to extort money from a football star by showing him an ultrasound pic of some random baby and he's still dealing with the aftermath? Like, what is wrong with people?! 
That's barely even a scratch compared to what Yang went through in this whole ordeal. It just feels like justice wasn't served here at all. Son Heung-min has already overcome so much with his career and personal life, but now he gets stuck with this drama too? Unfair! 
omg what a relief that this drama is finally over!! I mean, poor Son Heung-min he's been thru so much already and now he can focus on his game again 
. I gotta say tho, I'm still shook by the whole blackmail thing, how could someone do that to him?! 
. Glad they caught those two in the act and brought them to justice 
. Four years is a fair sentence for Yang, hope she serves it well 
. And 2 yrs for Yong? still not cool tho 
. Anyway, can't wait to see Son Heung-min back on that pitch, killing the game and making us all proud 
, it just shows how vulnerable rich athletes can be in these situations. what about the victim's feelings and well-being? shouldn't the focus be on protecting them from abuse like this? 
. It's ridiculous that those two were even thinking of scamming someone like him. Four years is still a lot for someone who was just trying to extort money, you feel? But I guess it sends a clear message that blackmailing famous people won't get you far. And poor Yong only got 2 years?! 
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. Son Heung-min must've been going through hell with all this drama, but it's awesome to see him killing it on the pitch and proving everyone wrong about that paternity scandal 
. I mean, 12 goals in just 13 matches? That's insane 
! The fact that his teammates and fans are still supporting him says a lot about his character 
. And btw, who else is excited for the upcoming LAFC season? 
. And 2 years for his accomplice? That's just basic justice. They're basically saying that the woman was justified to ruin someone's life over a paternity test result...no way! The fact that the court didn't even confirm whose kid she thought Son's was being blackmailed over is wild. It's like they were trying to let her off with a slap on the wrist 
. I hope this sends a clear message that this kind of behavior won't be tolerated in South Korea, but I'm not holding my breath 
that woman was so crazy! I mean, who tries to blackmail someone over a fake paternity claim? 
anyway, Son Heung-min is an amazing player 
, but four years in prison? That's harsh 
. The fact that the woman lied about who the baby belonged to doesn't excuse her actions 
. They must be going through a tough time right now 
. And what's even crazier is that he's still managing to crush it on the pitch with those 12 goals in 13 matches 
. And the fact that her accomplice only got two years is weird - don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they're both innocent or anything, but two years seems way too light for someone who was basically trying to extort money from a football star 
. Son Heung-min's still killing it on the pitch though, and I love watching him play - his skills are insane 
. I know we're supposed to believe in rehabilitation and all that, but sometimes you gotta think about the severity of the crime and hand out more substantial sentences. Yang should've gotten at least 8 years, imo