A court in Seoul has handed a four-year prison term to a woman in her 20s who attempted to extort a top professional footballer by claiming she was pregnant with his child. The ruling came after she had demanded a large sum for silence — an alleged fraud that has brought fresh attention to the vulnerabilities faced by public figures under blackmail pressure.
False Pregnancy Claim and Demands for Money
According to court documents, the woman — referred to only by her surname — contacted the footballer in 2024 with an ultrasound image, asserting she was carrying his child. She demanded 300 million won in exchange for not disclosing the news publicly.
When the initial demand was met, she later attempted to extract an additional 70 million won by threatening further exposure — a request that ultimately failed.
Court Delivers Verdict — Co-conspirator Also Sentenced
The Seoul Central District Court found the woman guilty of blackmail, stating she had knowingly deceived the player without ever confirming paternity. The court described her claims as lies aimed at exploiting his fame.
Her accomplice, a man who helped coordinate later demands, was handed a two-year jail sentence for attempted extortion.
Implications: Fame, Vulnerability and the Danger of Extortion
Legal experts and public-figure advisers say the case spotlights how celebrities — especially high-profile athletes — are at heightened risk for schemes that leverage their reputation and public image. The ruling may serve as a deterrent to similar blackmail attempts targeting famous individuals across sports and entertainment circles.
