ISLAMABAD: South Korean footballer Hwang Ui-jo has received a suspended one-year jail sentence for secretly recording sexual encounters without consent.
The 32-year-old striker, currently playing for Turkish club Alanyaspor, was suspended from the national team in 2023 following allegations against him. He was accused of secretly filming two women on four occasions between June and September 2022.
The Seoul Central District Court convicted him in one case while acquitting him in another, ultimately suspending his sentence for two years. The court underscored the seriousness of his actions, stating that “the nature of the crime is not good,” according to Yonhap news agency. It also stressed the harmful social impact of illegal filming, emphasizing the need for strict punishment.
Hwang admitted to his crime and expressed remorse. However, the court noted that a third party had shared the video on social media. His sister-in-law, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found guilty of distributing the footage despite knowing the potential consequences. The court highlighted the severity of her actions, stating that the content had been widely circulated both within and outside South Korea.
As a result, his sister-in-law has been sentenced to three years in prison for sharing the videos as part of a blackmail scheme.
Initially, Hwang denied any wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty. In his final testimony, he issued an apology, saying, “I send out a sincere apology to all those hurt by my wrongful actions.” He also acknowledged disappointing his supporters with his behavior.
When questioned by reporters on Friday about his feelings toward the victim, Hwang said he was “sorry” and added, “I personally apologise to football fans and genuinely feel very sorry.”
