The police announced that they have taken necessary measures regarding the 'human rights controversy' raised in relation to a woman in her 20s who claimed to be pregnant with the child of national football team captain Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) and extorted money.
A police official stated during a regular press briefing at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on 19th, 'We have taken necessary measures in accordance with related procedural regulations, including the rules on investigation disclosures.'
The woman, identified as Yang, who is accused of extortion against Son Heung-min, and a man in his 40s, identified as Yong, who is accused of attempted extortion, attended a pre-trial hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on 17th.
Yang, who was restrained with a strap at the time, wore a mask but did not have a hat or other covering, leading to controversy over whether the police neglected human rights protections. Yang covered her face with a folder when getting out of the police vehicle, but the police claimed they took it away because it was an item inside the car and not something provided to the suspect.
Son Heung-min filed a complaint against them on 7th, and their arrest occurred ten days later. The police noted that the investigation progressed quickly because 'the subjects were specified when the case was first reported, allowing for a rapid investigation.'
Yang, who works in the modeling industry, sent a fetal ultrasound photo to Son Heung-min's side in June of last year, claiming, 'I am pregnant.' She is accused of threatening to expose this fact and extorting 300 million won. Yang reportedly has a history of undergoing an abortion, but the police have not confirmed whether this fetus is actually related to Son Heung-min. There are said to be discrepancies between the timing of the pregnancy claimed by Yang and the statements from Son Heung-min's side.
Yong reportedly became aware of this fact later while dating Yang, who had already separated from Son Heung-min. He is accused of demanding 70 million won from Son Heung-min's side in March, threatening to expose it to the media, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Yong also sought a reward while providing information to the media.