Hwang Ui-jo and His Brother-in-Law's Lawyer Were in the 'Same Law Firm'... Strictly Prohibited 'Dual Representation'

Soccer National Player Hwang Ui-jo Accused of Illegal Filming and Sister-in-Law Charged with Private Life Distribution and Threats 'Mutual Representation'
"Did Not Participate in Investigation Process" Explanation
Resignation Submitted Amid Conflict of Interest Controversy

It has been revealed that soccer national team player Hwang Ui-jo, who is under investigation for illegal filming, and his sister-in-law, who was arrested on charges of distributing the footage, had appointed the same law firm. Under current law, such 'dual representation' is strictly prohibited.

Hwang Ui-jo and Sister-in-law's 'Dual Representation'... Resigned Amid Controversy

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

According to the legal community on the 14th, the law firm representing Hwang Ui-jo's sister-in-law, Ms. A, submitted a notice of withdrawal as defense counsel to the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 (Chief Judge Lee Jung-min) the day before. The law firm also served as Hwang's legal representative but resigned after the issue arose.

According to the Attorney-at-Law Act, so-called 'dual representation,' where the opposing party in a case is also represented, is prohibited due to conflicts of interest and the potential for case distortion or concealment. However, the law firm stated to SBS, "We took on the case at the request of Hwang Ui-jo's brother but did not participate in the investigation process." The Korean Bar Association plans to discuss the matter internally before deciding whether to conduct an investigation.

Upon learning of this fact, the victim's side expressed suspicion, saying, "If one lawyer represents both sides, it could ultimately lead to hiding something for Hwang Ui-jo."

Hwang's Side Claims "Hacked"... Police Say "Low Possibility of Hacking"

The victim side of Hwang Ui-jo's illegal filming charge held a press conference on the 23rd of last month and revealed the messenger conversations between Hwang Ui-jo and the victim.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the prosecution arrested and indicted Ms. A, Hwang's sister-in-law, on the 8th on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (filming and distribution using cameras) and violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (retaliatory threats), for posting private life exposure posts and threatening.

In June, Ms. A claimed to be Hwang's ex-girlfriend and distributed photos and videos of him and other women through social networking services (SNS). At that time, Hwang's side stated that his phone was stolen in November last year and that he had been threatened with distribution since May.

However, it was soon revealed that Ms. A was actually Hwang's sister-in-law who acted as his manager. Both Hwang and Ms. A denied the charges during the investigation, claiming their phones were hacked, but the police judged the possibility of hacking to be low, stating that no external intrusion records were technically confirmed.

Hwang's side said, "Player Hwang Ui-jo and his family believe in the sister-in-law's innocence," and drew a line, saying, "The allegations of financial disputes between siblings and an affair with the sister-in-law raised by some are completely untrue."

Meanwhile, the police have booked Hwang on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (filming using cameras) and investigated him as a suspect on the 18th of last month. Hwang's side claims the filming was consensual, but so far, two victims have been identified.