South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo to miss 2026 World Cup after prison sentence for illegal filming of girlfriends

Striker Hwang Ui-jo plays for South Korea national football team. Photo by KFA

In an appeal ruling in early September, the Seoul Central District Court upheld a one-year prison and a two-year suspended sentence for Hwang, according to Chosun. Prosecutors said videos he recorded were later leaked on social media by his sister-in-law, causing victims significant damage.

Hwang admitted to his wrongdoings but denied responsibility for what a victim identified as "A" described as "secondary damage." His lawyer argued the victim's legal team fueled publicity by repeatedly engaging the media, an argument the court rejected, saying Hwang’s secret filming was the direct cause and criticizing him for disclosing a victim’s personal information at a press conference.

Hwang is also in a separate compensation dispute with another accuser, "B". Despite paying 20 million won and multiple negotiation rounds, no settlement has been reached, with the victim saying the issue is Hwang's lack of sincere remorse rather than money, Zapzee reported.

The 33-year-old striker received the suspended sentence at the first court ruling seven months ago and appealed unsuccessfully. Under Korea Football Association (KFA) rules, any player with a criminal record is barred from national team selection for at least two years, effectively leaving Hwang out of the 2026 World Cup.

In June, Hwang pleaded for leniency in the hope of being considered for selection, but the appeal verdict closed his doors to the national team.

"There is no reason to select a player who has committed a crime," a KFA official told Zapzee.

Once regarded as one of South Korea's top strikers, Hwang has 19 goals in 62 caps and previously formed a strong front line with Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan on the national team. He spent three seasons with Bordeaux before signing for Nottingham Forest in 2022, then went on loan to Olympiacos, FC Seoul and Alanyaspor.

The personal scandal and the suspended sentence now leave his career in limbo.