The captain of the national soccer team, Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur), stated that he is "the clear victim of this incident" regarding the pregnancy blackmail case. It seems to be an effort to prevent Son from facing criticism despite the arrest of the individuals involved in the pregnancy blackmail.
Son Heung-min's agency, Son & Football Limited, stated on its official website on the 15th, "Son & Football Limited has reported to the police the individuals who have been blackmailing the player by spreading false information for extortion," and added, "The police are currently investigating, and we will inform you as soon as the investigation results are available."
"Son & Football Limited will take strong legal action to ensure that those who have been blackmailing with clear false information are punished without leniency," it said, adding, "I want to emphasize that Son Heung-min is the clear victim of this incident."
"I would like to apologize once again to everyone who has supported Son Heung-min for any concern caused by this unfortunate incident," it said.
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has arrested a woman in her 20s, identified as A, and a man in his 40s, identified as B, on charges of extortion and attempted extortion. They allegedly claimed to be pregnant with Son Heung-min's child and demanded money from Son's side in exchange for not exposing it. They are believed to be acquaintances.
In response, Son's side submitted a complaint to the police on the 7th, stating that A and others had deceived Son into obtaining money by claiming to be pregnant. The police applied for arrest warrants for them on the 12th, and on the afternoon of the following day, the warrants were issued by the court, leading to their arrest.