| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity | Not publicly named (referred to as “A”) |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Occupation | Freelance product model |
| Relationship With Son | Met through a mutual acquaintance; brief romantic link |
| Timeline of Events | May 2024 – Contacted two men regarding a pregnancy |
| Other Individuals Involved | B (41, convicted extortionist), C (shaman/spiritual guide) |
| Financial Transactions | Transferred ₩80 million (~$57,000) to the shaman |
| Legal Context | Blackmail case; alleged false paternity claim |
| Public Reaction | Mixed opinions; scrutiny of privacy boundaries in celebrity culture |
| Source | www.dispatch.co.kr |
Son Heung Min, the captain of South Korea’s football team, has been unpredictably entangled in a complicated and intensely personal scandal in recent weeks. A 29-year-old freelance model, simply referred to as “A,” is at the center of the controversy. Her actions have drawn public criticism, legal attention, and a lot of media attention.
“A” was romantically involved with two men by the middle of 2024. One was an entrepreneur, and the other was Son Heung Min, a well-known international athlete. When she told both men she was pregnant—though, remarkably, she was unable to identify the father—what appeared to be overlapping relationships took a more serious turn. Both men received her medical report, which showed an hCG level typical of early pregnancy, but the matter was still unclear.
It became abundantly evident from taped conversations that were later leaked to the media that A intentionally contacted both possible fathers without verifying paternity. A 41-year-old man named B, who had a history of extortion, confronted her about what he called “marriage fraud” in a particularly heated exchange. Even though his comments were harsh, they highlighted how precarious the situation was: “You told the same story to both men without even knowing whose it was,” he said angrily.
When B started a blackmailing scheme to use the situation for financial gain, it swiftly turned into a larger scandal. The involvement of a spiritual advisor, a shaman known as “C,” added to the emotional and legal strain. This character is said to have foreseen A’s pregnancy and supported her during an abortion. Surprisingly, A sent the shaman ₩80 million, a payment that has sparked questions about possible abuse or undue influence due to emotional distress.
The effect on Son Heung Min was immediate but tactfully subdued. Son, who is well-known for leading a focused life and playing sports, had previously discussed postponing meaningful relationships until after retirement. In a 2019 interview, he stated, “When you retire… you can still have a long life with your family.” His focus on his career left little room for public romantic relationships.
Son has not been immune to the intrigue surrounding his personal life in spite of such statements. Prolonged dating rumors with Jisoo of BLACKPINK fueled speculation, while publicly confirmed relationships with Girl’s Day’s Minah in 2014 and former idol Yoo So-young in 2015 made headlines. The gossip cycle was most recently maintained by rumors of a romance with influencer Vera Von Monika in 2023.
However, this most recent instance represents a clear transition from rumor to consequence. Although Son has not acknowledged or denied paternity in this instance, his cool-headed and collected reaction has garnered recognition. On the other hand, the story’s protagonist has caused a rift in public opinion. While some see her as a young woman overtaken by her situation, others see her calculated actions—two paternity claims, spiritual counseling, and large financial transfers—as a well-planned play.
The businessman is still a key figure despite being conspicuously absent from the media. His silence has created a void in the narrative and cast a shadow over an already hazy picture. However, some people view his silence as wisdom or possibly a conscious effort to stay out of what has now turned into a legal drama.
Korean media outlets have analyzed the situation with clinical intensity through strategic framing. However, the tone has gradually changed to one that is more ethical and less tabloid. Fundamentally, this controversy brings up awkward issues regarding the cost of privacy, gender dynamics, and celebrity vulnerability. Despite their notoriety, athletes like Son are still people—flawed, sensitive, and prone to deception.
Culturally speaking, the shaman’s function in this story emphasizes a recurring theme in South Korean culture: the subdued dependence on spiritual leaders in times of personal adversity. The ₩80 million transaction, however, raises concerns about manipulation under the guise of trust in addition to spiritual support. The emotional turns into the legal, and the spiritual into the transactional.
These trends are not unique to the entertainment and sports sectors. Both actors and athletes have been entangled in similar webs, where private choices lead to public disputes. The mechanisms of fame amplify the effects of betrayal rather than shielding against it. Sports celebrities like Son Heung Min face criticism for merely being involved, much like K-pop idols are compelled to apologize for dating.
Responses on social media have varied from cynicism to sympathy. A common belief in online forums is that Son was singled out because of his wealth and status. Others contend that, like many famous people, he ought to use more discernment when negotiating romantic relationships in a setting where privacy can be remarkably brittle.
The message is especially evident to those observing from a distance: not being famous shields one from profoundly human struggles. Even national heroes must deal with the difficulties of close relationships in a society that is heavily monitored, whether they involve trust, love, or treachery.
Who is the ex-girlfriend involved in Son Heung Min’s blackmail scandal?
She is a 29-year-old freelance product model, known publicly only as “A.”
Did she confirm Son Heung Min was the father of her child?
No, she told both Son and a businessman about her pregnancy without confirming who the father was.
What was Son Heung Min’s response to the pregnancy news?
He acknowledged the information after receiving medical records but made no public statement confirming paternity.
Who else was involved in the blackmail case?
A man named “B” with a past conviction for extortion, and a spiritual figure referred to as “C,” a shaman.
Why did she send money to a shaman?
She transferred ₩80 million to the shaman, who predicted her pregnancy and supported her through an abortion.
Was there a legal outcome to the blackmail attempt?
Investigations are ongoing, but B is under scrutiny for leading a second round of extortion.
Has Son Heung Min’s reputation suffered?
Not significantly. Many view him as a victim in this case rather than a perpetrator.
What does this incident say about Korean celebrity culture?
It reflects increasing tension between personal privacy and public curiosity, especially for figures in sports and entertainment.
Is this Son’s first scandal?
While he has been linked to several celebrities, this is the first time he has been drawn into a legal and emotional controversy of this magnitude.
Will this affect Son Heung Min’s career?
Unlikely. His professional standing remains strong, and his handling of the situation has been considered composed and dignified.
