The football career of Hwang Ui-jo, once a celebrated striker for both club and country, has taken a dramatic turn following the finalization of his conviction for sexual misconduct. On September 4, 2025, Hwang appeared at the Seoul Central District Court, facing charges under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, specifically for filming sexual acts without consent. The court’s decision to uphold his one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, has effectively closed the door on any hopes of a national team comeback for the 33-year-old forward.
Hwang’s legal troubles began in 2022, when he was accused of recording sexual encounters without the consent of his partners. The allegations led to a formal indictment in July 2024. After a lengthy and closely watched legal process, the court handed down its verdict: one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of community service and a mandatory 40-hour sexual violence counseling program. The sentence was reaffirmed on appeal, and with neither Hwang nor prosecutors filing a further appeal by the September 12 deadline, the conviction became final as of September 14, 2025.
“I want to help younger players. I want to play in the 2026 World Cup,” Hwang pleaded to the appeals court in June 2025, according to OSEN. But that hope was dashed by the Korean Football Association (KFA) regulations, which bar any player convicted of a serious criminal offense from national team selection for at least five years following the completion of their sentence or probation. For Hwang, this means a return to the national squad is off the table until at least September 2029, by which time he will be approaching his late thirties—a virtual end to his international career.
The KFA’s stance on the issue has been unequivocal. Quoting a senior KFA official, “A player convicted of sexual violence cannot play for the national team anymore.” The association’s disciplinary code, specifically Article 17, Clause 4, spells out that any player who receives a sentence of imprisonment or a suspended sentence is automatically disqualified from national team duty for a minimum of five years after the sentence ends. With the clock on Hwang’s suspension only starting after his two-year probation concludes, the ban is set to last until at least September 2029.
But the fallout doesn’t end there. The KFA has also indicated that further disciplinary action could be on the horizon. Under Article 14 of the KFA Fair Play and Ethics Committee regulations, any individual found guilty of sexual misconduct may face additional sanctions, including the possibility of a lifetime ban. The Ethics Committee is now reviewing Hwang’s case for potential further penalties, with a spokesperson noting, “Any additional sanctions will be decided after a thorough review by the relevant department and the Fair Play Committee.”
This is not the first time the KFA has taken a hard line on sexual misconduct. Since November 2023, when Hwang first became a suspect in the ongoing investigation, he has not been called up to the national team. The association made it clear at the time: “Until a clear decision is made, Hwang Ui-jo will not be considered for selection.” The stance has only hardened with the confirmation of his conviction.
Despite the legal battle and the ban from international football, Hwang’s club career has not come to a complete halt. In July 2024, he signed a new two-year contract with Alanyaspor in Turkey’s Süper Lig, where he continues to play. Turkish football authorities have not imposed any restrictions on his participation, allowing Hwang to extend his professional career abroad. However, his status as a convicted felon has cast a long shadow over his reputation, both in South Korea and internationally.
Hwang’s case has reignited a national conversation about ethics and accountability in Korean sports. The KFA’s swift and decisive action reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward off-field conduct, especially in light of recent scandals involving athletes from various disciplines. The association has also suspended two other players in connection with unrelated sexual misconduct cases, signaling a zero-tolerance policy going forward.
For many fans, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. Hwang was once hailed as a key figure in South Korea’s attacking lineup, known for his clinical finishing and work ethic. He played a pivotal role in the national team’s campaigns at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, earning praise for his performances on the international stage. His fall from grace has left supporters and commentators alike questioning the balance between talent and character in elite sports.
“This isn’t just about football anymore,” said a KFA representative. “It’s about the values we stand for as an organization and as a country. No matter how talented a player is, there are lines that cannot be crossed.”
Hwang’s personal statement during the appeals process—“I want to help younger players. I want to play in the 2026 World Cup”—now rings hollow, as the reality of his situation sets in. The legal and ethical barriers to his return are simply too high, and the KFA’s policies leave little room for exceptions. Even if he continues to play professionally overseas, the prospect of ever wearing the national colors again appears remote.
The broader implications for Korean football are still unfolding. With the KFA reviewing its disciplinary procedures and considering further reforms, the message is clear: misconduct off the field will be met with severe consequences. As the association weighs possible lifetime bans and other sanctions, players across the league are being reminded that their actions have repercussions far beyond the pitch.
For now, Hwang Ui-jo remains active with Alanyaspor, but his days as a national team player are over—at least for the foreseeable future. The KFA’s ongoing review means further disciplinary action could be announced at any time. As the football world watches closely, the case serves as a stark reminder that the standards for representing one’s country extend well beyond athletic ability.
With Hwang’s conviction now final and his suspension from the national team confirmed, South Korean football turns the page, determined to uphold the integrity of the sport and set a clear example for future generations.
