Hwang Ui-jo, a former member of the Korean national soccer team, admitted all of the charges of illegal filming in the trial. Prosecutors asked Hwang to serve four years in prison.
Judge Lee Yong-je of the Seoul Central District Court held Hwang Ui-jo's first trial on the morning of the 16th. Hwang Ui-jo admitted all the charges. It was found that he also submitted an opinion to the court to acknowledge the prosecution.
Hwang Ui-jo, who had denied the illegal filming charge, admitted the charge at the trial unexpectedly, and the decision proceeded immediately. Prosecutors asked Hwang Ui-jo to serve four years in prison and to impose an order to complete a sexual violence treatment program, to disclose and notify personal information, and to restrict employment for five years.
The prosecution asked Hwang Ui-jo for a four-year prison term, saying, "(The video) was circulated and suffered serious damage. It is also questionable whether (Hwang Ui-jo) is truly reflecting on himself from the heart."
Hwang Ui-jo also cried as he read the final statement prepared in advance. Hwang Ui-jo "I sincerely apologize to those who were affected by my mistake. I deeply apologize to everyone who cared for me and supported me for being disappointed by the misbehavior," read the closing statement.
Finally, Hwang Ui-jo said, "I will not do anything wrong in the future, and I will live with my best efforts as a soccer player." I earnestly ask for the utmost leniency only this time,' he appealed to the court.
After the trial, Hwang Ui-jo's lawyer for the victim of illegal filming said "It is the court's choice to declare and show the public that such crimes should not be committed." I have no intention of reaching an agreement with the defendant," he said emphatically.
Hwang Ui-jo will be sentenced on December 18. Hwang Ui-jo is accused of illegally filming sex videos four times between June and September 2022 without the consent of the other party. In June 2022, a video of Hwang Ui-jo's private life was revealed through SNS, which became a big controversy.
The person who exposed Hwang Ui-jo's private life video was found to be Hwang Ui-jo's brother-in-law. Hwang's brother-in-law was sentenced to three years in prison. During the investigation, Hwang Ui-jo was also converted to a suspect for illegal filming and was indicted without detention in July.
rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com
