Soccer Player Hwang Ui-jo Faces Four-Year Sentence in Appeal for Illegal Filming Charges

On July 24, 2025, soccer player Hwang Ui-jo (황의조), 33, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu for the second hearing of his appeal regarding charges of illegal filming. The prosecution has requested a four-year prison sentence for Hwang, citing the severity of his actions and the lasting psychological impact on the victims. Previously, Hwang received a suspended sentence of one year in prison during the first trial.

In his final statement, Hwang expressed deep remorse, stating, "I sincerely apologize for the irreversible harm I caused to the victims and for the social controversy my actions have created. I have spent every day reflecting on my mistakes. As a soccer player loved by many, I aim to become a person who positively impacts society by helping those in need."

A representative for the victims also spoke in court, highlighting that Hwang had claimed the victims had requested to be filmed right up until the charges were brought against him. They emphasized that the trauma inflicted by this incident would leave lasting scars on the victims.

Hwang was charged last year for filming sexual encounters with two women without their consent between June and September 2022. The case gained public attention when Hwang's sister-in-law, 34-year-old Lee (이모), falsely claimed to be his ex-girlfriend and shared private details, including photos and videos, on social media. This led to police investigations that uncovered evidence of illegal filming.

In February, the first trial resulted in a one-year prison sentence with a two-year suspension, but both the prosecution and Hwang's legal team appealed the decision. The ruling for the appeal is expected on September 4, 2025.