25.09.04.Today News : Ex-Soccer Star Hwang Ui-jo Receives Suspended Sentence in Appeal for Illegal Filming Case

Ex-Soccer Star Hwang Ui-jo Receives Suspended Sentence in Appeal for Illegal Filming Case

📍Seoul High Court Upholds Original Ruling, Citing Victim’s Severe Suffering and Lack of Settlement

Former South Korea national football team striker Hwang Ui-jo (33, Alanyaspor) has been handed a suspended prison sentence in his appeal trial over illegal filming charges. The court emphasized that the victims suffered extreme psychological pain, and that Hwang failed to obtain forgiveness or demonstrate sincere remorse during the proceedings.

Former national soccer team striker Hwang Ui-jo received a suspended sentence in his appeal trial on charges of illegal filming.

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■ Appeal Ruling Maintains Original Sentence
The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 1-3 upheld the lower court’s ruling on the 4th, sentencing Hwang to one year in prison with a two-year suspension, 200 hours of community service, and 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. The decision mirrors the February ruling by the Seoul Central District Court.

The court dismissed both the prosecution’s and the defense’s appeals, stating, “The lower court’s sentencing was within a reasonable range of discretion.” It added, “The victims endured extreme psychological trauma due to the defendant’s filming and the subsequent distribution of the material, and the lack of settlement remains a negative factor.”

■ Victims Allege Severe Trauma and Secondary Harm
The victims testified that they suffered ongoing psychological damage after the discovery of Hwang’s illegal recordings. They further claimed that Hwang denied his crimes during the investigation and included indirect references to the victims in a public statement, leading to secondary victimization.

A legal representative for the victims criticized the ruling, saying, “Information was revealed to the extent that acquaintances could identify who the victims were. This amounts to secondary harm, yet the court failed to properly address it.”

The victims rejected Hwang’s 400 million KRW settlement proposal and refused to accept the deposited money. The court agreed, ruling that the deposit “cannot be considered equivalent to settlement.”

■ Hwang’s Apology After Verdict
Following the ruling, Hwang issued a written apology through his lawyer. He stated, “I sincerely apologize to the victims who suffered great pain and to everyone who has been disappointed by my actions.”

He added, “From now on, I will devote myself entirely to football and strive to mature further, so I can regain trust.” Yet, given the victims’ strong objections and mounting public criticism, experts note that regaining his reputation will be difficult.

■ Controversy Over ‘Surprise Deposit’
Ahead of the first trial verdict, Hwang attempted to deposit 200 million KRW with the court without the victims’ consent, sparking accusations of a “surprise deposit” intended to reduce his sentence. Critics argued that this showed strategic calculation rather than genuine remorse.

The court noted that while the deposit did not amount to a valid settlement since the victims rejected it, it also could not be definitively labeled as a “surprise tactic.” However, the lack of forgiveness and insufficient demonstration of contrition weighed heavily against Hwang.

■ Football Career and Broader Implications
Hwang transferred permanently to Turkish Süper Lig club Alanyaspor in September 2024, recording seven goals and two assists across 30 league appearances, helping the club avoid relegation. He has also started in the first three matches of the 2025–2026 season.

Nevertheless, the ruling is expected to have a lasting impact on his football career. Public trust has already been deeply shaken, and as South Korea grows increasingly intolerant of sexual crimes, Hwang’s image recovery appears unlikely in the near future. The case may also influence disciplinary measures by football authorities and sponsorship contracts.

One-line summary : Hwang Ui-jo received a one-year suspended prison sentence in his appeal trial for illegal filming, as victims’ suffering and public criticism continue.