South Korean footballer Hwang Ui-Jo is currently the subject of a police investigation in his home country. The on-loan Norwich City striker has been questioned by cybercrime officers in Seoul regarding allegations made against him by a former partner. The 31-year-old denies all charges and has brought a counter-claim for defamation and blackmail against his accuser. The woman claims that Hwang recorded intimate footage of her without her consent and then lost the phone while playing for Olympiacos in Greece. Hwang, who is currently representing his country in the Far East, scored against Singapore at the weekend and is on the bench for a match against China.
The Korean Football Association has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations and is paying close attention to the matter, planning to respond after carefully reviewing the results of the police investigation. A spokesperson for Norwich City also confirmed that Hwang will continue to play for the club while on loan from Nottingham Forest, and that the club is aware of the ongoing investigation. Hwang’s legal representative has stated that the videos in question were agreed to by his ex-girlfriend at the time, and that Hwang does not currently possess the videos, suspecting theft of his phone.
Hwang was summoned for questioning by Seoul Metropolitan Police and was released the same day, after which he flew to China to compete in the Asian qualifier Group C match for the 2026 World Cup. He has scored once for City in a 3-1 defeat last month. The situation is ongoing, with the police investigation continuing and both Hwang and his accuser maintaining their positions. The outcome of the investigation will likely have a significant impact on Hwang’s personal and professional life, as well as on his future with Norwich City and his standing within the Korean national team.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Hwang will continue to play with Norwich City and represent his country in international matches. The situation has drawn considerable attention from the football community, as well as from fans and media outlets. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent impact on Hwang’s career and personal life will be closely watched by many. Regardless of the ultimate resolution, the situation highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise for professional athletes both on and off the field.
