Soccer Player Hwang Euijo on Illegal Filming Charges
States in Appeal, "I Must Serve as the Core of the Team"
Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in First Trial
Soccer player Hwang Euijo (32), who received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial for illegal filming charges, reportedly expressed to the appellate court his wish to represent the national team at the North and Central America World Cup next year. On the 21st, KBS reported, "We have obtained the 93-page statement of appeal that Hwang Euijo submitted last month to the Criminal Appellate Division 1-3 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Cho Jeongrae, Jin Hyeonji, and An Heegil)."
Soccer player Hwang Euijo (32) arrived at the Seoul Central District Court building on October 16 last year to attend his first trial on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming using a camera, etc.) and is heading to the courtroom. Photo by Heo Younghan
According to KBS, Hwang Euijo stated in his appeal, "I am a leading striker and a senior member of the Republic of Korea national team," adding, "I not only need to pass on my know-how to junior players, but I am also expected to serve as the core and pillar of the team." He further emphasized his contribution to raising the nation's profile as a member of the national soccer team and pleaded for leniency, stating that if his sentence is finalized, "my life as a national team player will come to an end."
However, it appears that Hwang Euijo's return to the national team will be virtually impossible. In November 2023, the Korea Football Association stripped Hwang Euijo of his national team eligibility, announcing, "We have decided not to select Hwang Euijo for the national team until a clear conclusion is reached regarding the illegal filming charges." According to Article 14 of the association's Fairness Committee regulations, players who commit serious crimes such as sexual violence face the highest level of disciplinary action, including permanent expulsion. Additionally, under the association's player registration rules, players who have received a sentence of imprisonment or higher and are on probation are not eligible for player registration.
Hwang Euijo has already admitted to his charges in court. At the first appellate hearing on the 19th, Hwang Euijo's attorney stated, "The defendant is remorseful and has reached a settlement. Fortunately, since the victim could not be specifically identified from the photos, the harm was somewhat lessened," and added, "He has no prior convictions and has worked diligently for the country as a soccer player, which is why we are appealing, as the first trial's sentence is somewhat heavy."
In contrast, the victim's attorney pointed out, "Hwang Euijo claimed it was not illegal filming and circulated press releases specifying the victim's occupation and marital status," and added, "As a result, criticism against the victim increased, and the victim was unable to receive psychiatric counseling."
Hwang Euijo is accused of illegally filming sexual intercourse videos or recording video calls without the consent of two victims between June and September 2022. He filed a police complaint against his sister-in-law, who shared photos and videos of him and the women on social networking services (SNS), for blackmail and other charges, but evidence of illegal filming was discovered during the investigation. Prosecutors indicted Hwang Euijo without detention for violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
On February 1, the first trial court sentenced Hwang Euijo to one year in prison, suspended for two years, stating, "After the indictment, a significant sum was deposited for the victim, and we took into account that this is his first offense with no prior criminal record." The court also noted, "The defendant has admitted to all his crimes in court and is remorseful." Additionally, Hwang Euijo was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and 400 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. Hwang Euijo's side appealed this decision, and the appellate court is scheduled to hold one more hearing and conclude arguments at around 3:30 p.m. on July 24.
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