Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min pursues legal action over alleged blackmail plot

According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Gangnam Police in Seoul have detained two suspects - a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s - on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion. The woman allegedly approached Son last year, claiming she was pregnant with his child and demanding money to keep the matter private. The man is believed to have followed up with Son in March, also seeking money.

Son's agency, Son and Football Limited, issued a firm statement, asserting the Tottenham and South Korea captain is "the clear victim in this case."

"Son & Football Limited has filed a criminal complaint for blackmail against individuals who threatened the player by claiming they would spread false information," the agency said. "The police are currently investigating the matter, and we will provide updates as soon as the investigation concludes."

The agency also confirmed it will pursue "strong legal action against those who engaged in blackmail and intimidation based on clearly false claims."

Son, 31, is one of South Korea's most celebrated athletes, having scored 173 goals in 451 appearances for Spurs since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He was named club captain ahead of the 2023/24 season.