The suspended prison sentence for former national soccer player Hwang Ui Jo has been finalized.
According to the legal community, neither Hwang nor the prosecution filed an appeal by the deadline of September 11. In criminal cases, an appeal or petition to the Supreme Court must be filed within seven days of sentencing to seek a retrial.
On September 4, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Appellate Division 1-3 sentenced Hwang to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (illegal filming using a camera, etc.).
The court stated, “The distribution of the videos was carried out by another person, and the defendant himself was also among the victims. However, the victim suffered severe psychological distress due to the defendant’s filming.”
The judges added, “If sentenced to imprisonment or higher, his qualification as a national team player may be restricted, but that is a matter for the governing body’s regulations. This cannot be used as a reason to reduce criminal liability.”
After the ruling, Hwang released a statement: “I sincerely apologize to the victim. From now on, I will devote myself solely to soccer and do my best to regain the trust of everyone who has supported me.”
Previously, Hwang was indicted for filming multiple sexual videos and recording video calls without the consent of two victims. The case began in June 2023 when a woman posted a public exposé on social media.
The woman was later revealed to be Hwang’s sister-in-law, identified as Ms. Lee. Claiming she was his ex-girlfriend, she distributed videos of Hwang and the victims, and also sent photos and messages to a victim via Instagram DMs.
Ms. Lee was sentenced to three years in prison in both the first and second trials for illegal filming and distribution under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. She filed an appeal, but in September, the Supreme Court dismissed it, finalizing the ruling.
SEE ALSO: ZEROBASEONE wins with “ICONIK” + Electrifying performances on September 12th’s ‘Music Bank’!
SHARE
