Hwang Ui-jo "No Request for Punishment of Private Video Distributor"
Disagreement with Ex-Partner Regarding Video Filming
"Investigating Motive Behind Family's Distribution and Threats"
A woman who was arrested on charges of distributing private videos of Hwang Ui-jo (Norwich City), a national soccer team player, has been confirmed to be Hwang's sister-in-law.
Soccer national team player Hwang Ui-jo arrived at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the morning of the 19th and entered the departure hall. [Photo by Yonhap News]
According to a report by KBS on the 22nd, the woman arrested for distributing private videos of Hwang Ui-jo was A, who is Hwang Ui-jo's closest associate and sister-in-law. The police have confirmed during the investigation that A is a family member and close associate of Hwang, and they are currently investigating the motive behind why she distributed the videos and committed the threats.
A reportedly accompanied Hwang Ui-jo's older brother on overseas business trips and effectively acted as his manager.
Earlier, in June, A exposed that Hwang Ui-jo had relationships with multiple women and caused harm. Along with this, she shared photos and videos featuring Hwang and the women on Instagram.
Hwang Ui-jo: "Not Illegal Filming" vs. Ex-Girlfriend: "Never Consented to Filming"
In response to the controversy, Hwang Ui-jo denied the allegations, stating that his phone was stolen in Greece last November and that he had been threatened since May.
On the 20th, Daehwan Law Firm, Hwang Ui-jo's legal representative, issued a statement claiming, "(The video) was consensually recorded between lovers at the time," and "Hwang Ui-jo currently does not possess the video and has never leaked it."
In response, Lee Eun-ui, the legal representative of Hwang's ex-girlfriend, released a statement on the 21st, saying, "Hwang Ui-jo claims he did not commit any illegal acts and that he was threatened with photo distribution after his phone was stolen, but this is not true. The victim never consented to being filmed by Hwang Ui-jo."
She further explained, "There was no consent to video recording by Hwang Ui-jo, and the victim expressed refusal and requested deletion immediately after filming. Also, during the investigation, there were times when the victim was unaware of the filming itself."
She added that they have filed a complaint against Hwang Ui-jo for illegal filming and other charges.
Hwang Ui-jo: "Does Not Wish to Punish the Video Distributor"... Because She Is His Sister-in-Law?
Meanwhile, A was arrested on the 16th, and Hwang Ui-jo was recently questioned by the police as a suspect in the illegal filming case.
During the police investigation, Hwang expressed that he did not wish to press charges against the person who distributed the videos, raising questions. However, on the 22nd, it was revealed that the distributor was A, his sister-in-law, which helped explain why he did not want to pursue punishment.
Regarding this incident, Hwang Ui-jo's status as a national team player has become a topic of debate. Many argue that it is inappropriate for someone accused of illegal filming to represent the national team.
Despite the controversy, Hwang Ui-jo was substituted into the match against China in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian second qualifying round held on the 21st.
In response, national team coach J?rgen Klinsmann stated, "I am aware of the controversy happening domestically. I understand that the situation is ongoing until the charges are clearly determined," and added, "Since there is no immediate problem or guilt, I believe it is the coach's role to support him to perform on the field."
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