Former Nottingham Forest striker Hwang Ui-jo has received a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of illegally recording a woman without her consent.
The 32-year-old South Korean forward was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, by Seoul’s Central District Court.
Details of the incident
As reported by The Sun, the court found that Hwang had secretly filmed intimate encounters on four occasions between June and September 2022 without the woman’s knowledge or approval.
While the court recognized the gravity of the offence, noting the unauthorized use of a mobile phone to record private moments, Hwang’s sentence was suspended. This decision was influenced by his admission of guilt, remorse, and the fact that the videos were ultimately leaked by a third party.
Rollercoaster of a footballing career
Hwang began his professional career with Seongnam FC in the K League, where he quickly made an impact. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he scored 15 league goals, leading to a call-up to the South Korean national team. However, he struggled for form the following season, and Seongnam was relegated to the second division.
In 2017, he moved to Japan’s J1 League with Gamba Osaka, where he enjoyed a prolific season. His performances earned him a transfer to Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in 2019, where he initially played as a winger before transitioning back to his preferred striker role, where he flourished.
Hwang joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 but never made an appearance for the club, instead going out on multiple loan spells. He struggled at Olympiacos before brief stints with FC Seoul, Norwich City, and Alanyaspor, with injuries further hampering his progress. (Transfermarkt)
Hwang issued a heartfelt apology, expressing deep remorse for his actions. This incident underscores the importance of respecting consent and privacy, both on and off the pitch.
