Soccer player Hwang Ui-jo, 32, who received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial for illegal filming, is appealing for leniency to the appellate court, expressing a desire to represent the country in the World Cup next year in North and Central America.
According to a KBS report on the 21st, Hwang Ui-jo conveyed this position in a 93-page appeal brief submitted to the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Appeal Division 1-3 (Director General Jo Jung-rae, Jin Hyun-ji, Ahn Hee-gil).
He stated, "I am the national team’s star striker and a senior player, and I need to ensure that I not only pass on my know-how to the juniors but also serve as the core and backbone of the team." He added that if his sentence is confirmed, "his life as a national representative will come to an end."
However, evaluations suggest that Hwang Ui-jo's chances of returning to the national team are slim. The Korea Football Association previously announced in November of last year, "We have decided not to select Hwang Ui-jo for the national team until a clear conclusion is reached regarding the illegal filming allegations." Considering Hwang Ui-jo’s acknowledgment of the charges, it is unlikely that the association will change its stance.
In fact, according to Article 14 of the Korea Football Association's Fairness Committee Operating Regulations, players who commit serious crimes, such as sexual violence, face the highest level of punishment, including permanent expulsion. The association's player registration regulations also state that players who are sentenced to probation or heavier penalties are not eligible for registration.
Hwang Ui-jo has been charged with illegally filming or recording video calls with two women he previously dated multiple times. In the first trial, the court sentenced him to one year in prison with a two-year suspension, along with 200 hours of community service and 40 hours of participation in a sexual violence treatment program.
At that time, the court noted, "After the prosecution was filed, the defendant deposited a considerable amount for the victims, and it is taken into account that he has no prior criminal record as a first-time offender," adding that "the defendant has fully acknowledged his crimes and is expressing remorse in court."
Afterward, Hwang Ui-jo appealed, and during the first hearing of the second trial held on the 19th, his side explained, "The defendant is remorseful and has reached an agreement. Fortunately, the victim was not specifically identified from the photos, so the harm is somewhat limited. Given that he has no prior record and has worked hard for the country as a soccer player, we appealed on the grounds that the first trial's sentence was somewhat severe."
On the other hand, the victim's side claimed, "In November 2023, Hwang not only filmed illegally but also circulated press releases identifying the victim's profession and marital status," arguing that "subsequent criticism towards the victim increased, and she was unable to receive psychiatric counseling," thus requesting severe punishment. The appellate court plans to hold one more hearing on July 24, at which time arguments will be concluded.