Why Son Heung-min Became a Target – The Psychology Behind Targeting Sports Stars

Why was Son Heung-min blackmailed with fake pregnancy claims? Discover the psychology behind targeting sports stars and how Son’s brave response is changing the narrative.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. The Son Heung-min Blackmail Case
• 2. Why Are Sports Stars Prime Targets?
• 3. The Psychology of Blackmailers
• 4. Related Celebrity Cases
• 5. How Celebrities Should Respond
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

In May 2025, South Korean football legend Son Heung-min was revealed as the victim of a shocking blackmail plot. A woman claiming to be his former girlfriend alleged she was pregnant with his child and, alongside a male accomplice, demanded over ₩3 billion in exchange for silence. The case rapidly gained media attention across South Korea and beyond, not only because of Son’s fame but also for what it reveals about how sports stars become targets of manipulation, threats, and extortion.

Son, widely admired for his clean image, discipline, and athletic excellence, faced this crisis just before the UEFA Europa League final. This article explores the psychology behind why athletes like Son become blackmail targets and what it means for celebrity culture and legal protection in today’s hyper-connected world.

1. The Son Heung-min Blackmail Case

According to police reports, a woman in her 20s sent Son an ultrasound image, claiming she was pregnant and would go public if he didn’t pay. Son, under pressure and amidst a crucial match schedule, reportedly wired ₩3 billion. Later, the woman’s acquaintance—a man in his 40s—tried to extort an additional ₩70 million, leading Son and his team to file a formal complaint.

Investigations are underway, with both suspects detained and charged with blackmail and attempted blackmail. Authorities are also analyzing the authenticity of the ultrasound images, raising suspicions of forgery.

2. Why Are Sports Stars Prime Targets?

• Public Image Equals Revenue: A single scandal can jeopardize endorsements, team roles, and fan loyalty.
• Assumption of Silence: Criminals often assume celebrities will pay to avoid headlines.
• Limited Response Time: Players have tight schedules, international travel, and limited availability for legal battles.
• Media Sensitivity: Even false rumors can damage a career. This makes threats highly effective.

3. The Psychology of Blackmailers

Blackmailers often choose targets with perceived vulnerability—people with reputations to protect. Athletes are ideal for this, as they rely on carefully curated public personas. Perpetrators often start with emotional manipulation and escalate to financial demands, exploiting fear, shame, or career damage. In some cases, they are former acquaintances or insiders who believe they have ‘access’ to damaging information—even if fabricated.

4. Related Celebrity Cases

• Ha-seong Kim (MLB): A former teammate threatened to ruin his U.S. contract over alleged rule violations and received ₩400 million. A court later awarded Kim ₩800 million in a civil suit.
• Lee Byung-hun (Actor): Secret recordings of private conversations were used to demand ₩5 billion. The perpetrators were sentenced for attempted blackmail.
• Kim Yo-han (Volleyball Star): A former manager extorted money by threatening to leak false gambling and personal allegations. Legal action led to a conviction.

5. How Celebrities Should Respond

1. Immediate Legal Action: Do not delay. Prompt police reports help limit damages.
2. Evidence Collection: Screenshots, audio, and money transfers become key evidence.
3. Professional Legal Advice: Early legal counsel can manage public and private consequences.
4. Public Disclosure if Necessary: In cases of fabrication, going public can neutralize the threat.

FAQ

Q1. Why did Son pay the money?

With matches ahead and media sensitivity at stake, his team likely aimed to minimize public damage during a high-stress period.

Q2. Can Son recover the money?

Yes. Through civil litigation, he may claim unlawful enrichment or damages.

Q3. Is blackmail the same as threats?

No. Threats alone may be considered coercion or intimidation. Blackmail involves gaining financial or other benefits as a result.

Q4. Are only celebrities targeted?

Not at all. Blackmail can affect anyone. Celebrities just receive more coverage due to their public status.

Conclusion

Son Heung-min’s case is not just a celebrity gossip headline—it’s a sobering reminder of how vulnerable public figures are to emotional and financial exploitation. Despite his clean record and composed demeanor, Son became a target in a world where a carefully managed reputation can be turned into a weapon.

Instead of hiding, Son took a stand, filed charges, and cooperated with investigators. His actions set a precedent for others who may find themselves in similar situations. In the end, crimes like blackmail thrive on silence—but Son's courage has sent a clear message that even sports icons won’t be manipulated into submission.

As the investigation unfolds, the public continues to support one of Korea’s most respected sports heroes—not just for his goals, but for his integrity and moral strength.