Son Heung-min Blackmail Case: Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Prison Sentences
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The prosecution is demanding significant prison terms for a pair accused of attempting to extort millions of won from Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, alleging a carefully planned scheme involving false pregnancy claims and relentless threats. The case, which has captivated South Korea, reached a critical stage on Thursday, November 27th, with a Seoul Central District Court trial revealing the extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Allegations of a Calculated Extortion Plot
According to reports from ‘Newsis’, prosecutors are requesting a five-year prison sentence for Ms. Yang, a woman in her 20s, and a two-year sentence for Mr. Yong, a man in his 40s. The charges stem from incidents dating back to June of last year, when Ms. Yang, reportedly in a romantic relationship with Son Heung-min, allegedly attempted to extort 300 million won by falsely claiming to be pregnant and presenting a fabricated ultrasound image. Mr. Yong is accused of a subsequent attempt to secure 70 million won in March of this year.
The investigation, launched after Son Heung-min’s side filed blackmail charges in May, quickly escalated. Gangnam Police Station arrested the pair on May 14th, detained them on May 17th, and transferred the case to the prosecution on May 22nd.
From Initial Extortion to Repeated Demands
Evidence presented suggests the initial extortion attempt was not an isolated incident. Investigators discovered that after allegedly squandering the initial 300 million won, Ms. Yang enlisted Mr. Yong to pressure Son Heung-min for further funds. “The ultrasound photos sent by Yang to Son Heung-min, the claim of pregnancy, and the process of demanding money were carefully planned crimes,” a senior official stated during the trial.
The prosecution argued that Ms. Yang attempted to portray herself as a victim, despite evidence suggesting a deliberate and calculated scheme. “The defendant claims to have received alimony and is ‘cosplaying as a victim’ and ‘cosplaying as innocent,’” the official added. “However, it is only a cosplay that cannot 100% match the actual truth.” The severity of the alleged crime and the significant emotional distress inflicted upon the victim were key points emphasized by the prosecution.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Defenses
While the prosecution paints a picture of a coordinated conspiracy, the defense teams presented differing narratives. Ms. Yang, in a tearful statement, maintained her innocence regarding the second attempt at extortion, claiming she was unaware Mr. Yong would threaten Son Heung-min. “I am sorry for not being able to keep the secret, but I did not know that he would threaten Mr. Son,” she stated. She also expressed fear for her future, stating, “I am so scared and afraid that I will be able to live a healthy life in the Republic of Korea in the future because my private life, including my pregnancy and abortion, has been exposed to the world by my family and people I don’t even know.”
Ms. Yang’s lawyer, Go Yoon-ki, argued the case was not premeditated and that his client was, in fact, another victim. He claimed Ms. Yang provided Mr. Yong with 40 million won specifically to prevent him from contacting Son Heung-min. However, Mr. Yong refuted this claim, stating the money was compensation for Ms. Yang spreading false information about him and attempting to alter a memorandum.
Mr. Yong’s lawyer, Jo Ki-je, emphasized his client’s cooperation with the investigation and claimed he acted solely on the request of Ms. Yang. “The defendant is deeply reflecting and is committed not to reoffend,” the lawyer asserted.
Sentencing Looms as Case Nears Conclusion
The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for December 8th at 2 p.m. The outcome will mark the first official judgment in the high-profile Son Heung-min blackmail case. The prosecution is seeking a harsh penalty, citing the serious damage to the victim’s reputation and mental well-being. Conversely, the defense is pleading for leniency, portraying both defendants as either victims themselves or individuals genuinely remorseful for their actions. The court’s decision will ultimately determine the fate of Ms. Yang and Mr. Yong, bringing a potential end to a case that has gripped the nation.
