It is the type of story you might find in a Netflix crime documentary: a blackmail scheme, a leaked sex video, family deception, and an international footballer transitioning from a victim to an accused.
The player, associated with Nottingham Forest, is currently in Spain with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad for pre-season preparations. Hwang Ui-jo, a South Korean international with 62 caps, faces charges related to filming sexual encounters without consent and could potentially face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Court proceedings are set to begin next month. The story has already led to a national debate in South Korea about “molka”, the secretive filming of videos for sexual purposes.
Hwang celebrates a goal for Korea in November 2023, before the national team later ruled him unavailable for selection (Photo: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Hwang, a former Korean footballer of the year, denies breaking the law but faces serious allegations. His involvement in the incident has raised questions about his career and reputation.