Hwang Ui-jo Victim's Side: "Clearly Said No... Secondary Harm Is Serious"

Hwang's Sister-in-Law's Statement Intended for "Sharing with Acquaintances"

Victims of the illegal filming allegations against Hwang Ui-jo, a member of the South Korean national soccer team, have refuted claims that the video was consensual and have released parts of messenger and phone call conversations. The content includes a section where the woman clearly expresses refusal, saying, "I clearly said I didn't want to," which is expected to intensify suspicions of illegal filming.

Attorney Lee Eun-ui, the legal representative of the victim, is holding a press conference on the 23rd to refute Hwang Ui-jo's statement.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, victim's legal representative lawyer Lee Eun-ui held a press conference and criticized, "(Hwang) initially could not refute during the first call but suddenly started to manage the situation afterward," adding, "This cannot be evidence that it was not illegal filming." According to the lawyer, in June, the victim told Hwang, "I clearly said I didn't want to, and I said so that day as well," to which Hwang replied, "I didn't know something like this would happen when I filmed it." When the victim said, "You have to admit you engaged in illegal filming regardless. But if you handle this well here, I have no intention of taking legal action," Hwang responded, "I will try to prevent (distribution) as much as possible." Later, Hwang sent a message saying, "Don't worry too much," and added, "It wasn't filmed illegally, but it was my carelessness that the material I owned was stolen."

Regarding Hwang's side's claim the previous day that "the phone was placed in a visible spot during filming, and the woman was aware and consented to the relationship," the lawyer pointed out, "This is a self-admission of guilt acknowledging that the victim's consent was not obtained." On the claim that the footage was viewed together with the victim, the lawyer rebutted, "The perpetrator informing the victim about such footage after illegal filming does not mean consent was given," and "If the victim had consented to filming, why would she have asked for the video to be deleted during their relationship?"

The victim's side criticized Hwang's side for committing secondary harm. Hwang's side, in a statement, revealed the victim's occupation and marital status, saying, "We have refrained from official responses out of concern that the victim's identity might be exposed. If malicious suspicions arise, we are seriously considering attending confrontational investigations together with the woman." In response, lawyer Lee said, "This is a very serious secondary harm and clearly intimidation and pressure directed at the victim," and demanded, "We warn against repeating criminal acts and urge investigative agencies to take action."

The lawyer claimed that during the warrant hearing of Hwang's sister-in-law A, who is accused of distributing the video, A stated that "Hwang shared the illegal footage with acquaintances." He also added, "There is one more victim of distribution, and this victim expressed a wish not to press charges at Hwang's request."

Regarding J?rgen Klinsmann, head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, the lawyer urged, "Illegal videos are crimes, not private matters," and called on him to "refrain from choices and remarks that condone secondary harm." Klinsmann commented on Hwang, saying, "No charges have been precisely made or proven yet," leaving open the possibility of future call-ups.

The lawyer also urged the government and the Korea Football Association to take appropriate measures. He emphasized, "Minister Yoo In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Minister Han Dong-hoon of the Ministry of Justice, and Minister Kim Hyun-sook of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family are all involved, aren't they? Haven't they always acted sensitively and made efforts regarding illegal filming issues?" and stressed, "The higher government bodies and the Football Association must take responsibility."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.