Hwang Ui Jo is back in the hot seat over illegal filming charges. The ex-boyfriend of Hyomin (T-ARA) appeared at Seoul Central District Court on July 24 for his second appeal hearing. He issued a public apology.
“I sincerely apologize for my wrongful actions that caused pain to the victims and concern to the public.
I vow to live more responsibly from now on.”
– Hwang Ui Jo at court
Hwang’s legal team argued that upholding his 1-year suspended jail sentence would end his career as a national soccer player and cost him World Cup chances. They claimed he was a privacy victim, saying the sex tapes were leaked by others.
Prosecutors pushed back hard. They want 4 years in prison. They said Hwang initially denied everything, retraumatizing victims. His remorse, they argued, only came after indictment and isn’t genuine.
The victim slammed Hwang’s apology, submitting a personal statement refusing forgiveness. Her lawyers accused him of revealing her identity and falsely claiming she consented to being filmed.
Hwang was indicted for secretly filming sexual acts with two women between June and September 2022. He was found guilty in one case and acquitted in the other due to technicalities around video calls. Both sides appealed. The final verdict is set for September 4.
The sex tape scandal first blew up in 2022 when the videos leaked online. Now, Hwang faces serious consequences as the trials unfold.
