A court in South Korea has sent two people to prison for trying to blackmail the famous football player Son Heung-min. The criminals tried to get money from Son by saying the woman was pregnant with his child. However, this was not true.
The problem started before Son moved to play for Los Angeles FC in 2024. The woman and a man contacted Son and said she was having his baby. They even sent an ultrasound picture, but they never did a real paternity test. They then threatened to tell everyone this story if he did not pay them. Because of these threats, Son gave them about $200,000.
This year, the two criminals asked for more money. Son then decided to go to the police. The police investigated, and the case went to court. The court learned that the man made many threats to get the first payment. The woman used the money to buy expensive luxury things.
In court, the woman said the money was just compensation. However, the judge did not agree. The judge said it was clearly a crime. The judge also said that Son felt "intense mental anguish" because the story became public.
Son Heung-min is a national hero in South Korea and one of Asia's best footballers. He continued to play football during this difficult time. The court's decision now allows him to move on. Many people think the prison sentences are a strong message to stop others from trying to blackmail famous people.