Hwang Ui-jo: "No Affair with Sister-in-Law... Also No Money Dispute"

Brother-in-law sent to custody on charges of violating sexual violence law and intimidation
Mr. Hwang: "Sister-in-law still devoted... no motive for defamation"
Conflicting views with victim's side regarding illegal filming

Hwang Ui-jo (31), a national soccer team player, denied allegations related to the distribution of a private video, stating that his older brother and sister-in-law, who were sent to prosecution in custody on suspicion of distributing the video, "have no motive to slander (Hwang)." He also dismissed rumors of financial disputes and infidelity.

Soccer national team player Hwang Ui-jo [Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, Hwang’s legal representative, law firm Daehwan, said, "The older brother and sister-in-law have lived together in a foreign residence for the past five years, supporting all aspects of daily life such as meals and other activities," adding, "All of Hwang’s income is managed by his parents, so the financial disputes between siblings and infidelity rumors involving the sister-in-law raised by some are completely untrue."

They continued, "Hwang and his family believe in the sister-in-law’s innocence, and the older brother and his wife still show a devoted attitude toward Hwang," and requested, "Since it was the older brother and his wife who filed the complaint regarding the distribution of the video, we ask that speculation be refrained from until the verdict is announced."

Regarding the suspected illegal filming and distribution of the video, they raised hacking suspicions once again. Hwang’s side stated, "We have expressed leniency toward the man impersonating the ex-lover," and added, "We are focusing on the possibility that the person distributing and threatening is not the same individual and suspect that it may be the act of professional and organized parties."

However, they did not make any particular remarks about the press briefing held by the victim’s side on the same day. Hwang Ui-jo’s side claims the video was consensual and is in conflict with the victim’s side.

Earlier, on the 22nd, A, the sister-in-law of Hwang Ui-jo, was booked on charges of uploading Hwang’s private videos on social media and threatening him (using filmed materials and coercion/threats under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes).

A claims to have been in a romantic relationship with Hwang since June and is accused of sharing photos and videos of Hwang and several women on social media. It was confirmed that A had accompanied Hwang and acted as his manager.

During the investigation, A denied the charges, mentioning the possibility of hacking, but the police judged the hacking possibility to be low, stating that no external intrusion records were technically confirmed.

Victim’s Side: "Korea Football Association Should Discipline Hwang Ui-jo"

On the 23rd, Attorney Eun-ui Lee, the legal representative of the victim in the illegal filming allegation against soccer national team player Hwang Ui-jo, held a press conference at an office located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to refute Hwang Ui-jo's side's statement and disclosed messenger conversations between Hwang Ui-jo and the victim.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 23rd, B, the victim of the video distribution, held a press conference to refute Hwang’s side’s claim that the distributed video was consensual and urged the Korea Football Association and the national soccer team to discipline Hwang.

Victim’s legal representative lawyer Lee Eun-ui stated, "The victim always kept a close watch, knowing that the perpetrator might film, and should have been aware if the perpetrator left the phone somewhere," countering Hwang’s side’s claim from the previous day that "the phone was placed in a visible spot during filming, and the other woman was aware and consented to the relationship."

She added, "Hwang’s side’s statement is a ‘self-admission of guilt’ acknowledging that they did not obtain the victim’s consent," and said, "We plan to submit Hwang’s side’s statement as evidence of guilt."

Lawyer Lee also partially disclosed KakaoTalk messenger conversations and call recordings exchanged between Hwang and the victim. After the video leak in June, when the victim said, "You have to admit that you illegally filmed it anyway. But if you handle this well, I won’t take legal action," Hwang replied, "I’m trying to prevent (the distribution) as much as possible."

She pointed out that Hwang’s dignity as a national soccer player was damaged and urged, "The Korea Football Association should discipline Hwang."

Earlier, the police summoned Hwang as a suspect on the 18th and investigated him, but Hwang Ui-jo completely denied the related charges.