South Korean footballer Hwang Ui-jo has issued a public apology after admitting to secretly recording sexual encounters with his partners without their consent. The 31-year-old striker, who currently plays for Turkish club Alanyaspor, expressed his regret during his first court appearance in Seoul on Wednesday, where he is facing charges of illegal filming.
Hwang, who had been a prominent figure in South Korean football and recently played for Nottingham Forest in England, admitted to filming the intimate encounters on four separate occasions between June and September 2022. Prosecutors revealed that two women were unknowingly recorded during these interactions.
In court, Hwang acknowledged the gravity of his actions and apologized for the harm he caused to the victims and to those who supported him throughout his career. “I sincerely apologize to the victims who have been affected by my actions, and I am deeply sorry for the disappointment I have caused to all those who have cared and supported me,” Hwang said. He also vowed to learn from his mistakes, stating, “I will not do anything wrong in the future and will do my best as a footballer.”
The videos, which were filmed without the consent of the women involved, surfaced in June 2023 after Hwang’s sister-in-law shared them on social media in an attempt to blackmail the footballer. Following Hwang’s decision to sue her, his sister-in-law was sentenced to three years in prison for the blackmail attempt. However, despite her actions, the legal case against Hwang continued as prosecutors focused on the non-consensual nature of the recordings.
To protect the privacy and dignity of the victims, prosecutors have chosen not to disclose any further details about the women involved in the case. The ongoing legal proceedings have generated significant media attention in South Korea, with many expressing disappointment over Hwang’s actions, given his high profile in the sports world.
The scandal has cast a shadow over Hwang’s football career, which saw him leave England’s Nottingham Forest last month to join Alanyaspor in Turkey. Before the controversy, Hwang had enjoyed a successful career, representing South Korea at the international level and playing in several top European leagues.
As the court case unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact his future in football. His reputation has been severely tarnished, and his ability to continue playing at the professional level may depend on the outcome of the trial.
In the wake of the scandal, fans and supporters have expressed mixed reactions. While some are calling for accountability and consequences for his actions, others have shown sympathy, pointing out the role of his sister-in-law in exposing the videos with the intent to blackmail him. However, the broader issue of non-consensual filming has drawn significant public condemnation.
Hwang’s apology in court marked his first public statement since the allegations surfaced. His admission and expression of remorse have done little to quell the outrage surrounding the case, particularly given the sensitive nature of the charges. The case highlights the importance of consent in intimate relationships and underscores the severe legal and social repercussions that follow when privacy is violated.
As the legal proceedings continue, Hwang’s future both on and off the field remains uncertain. His next court appearance will likely determine the extent of the penalties he faces, as well as the long-term impact on his career as a footballer.
