Star footballer Hwang Ui-jo booked over illegal sex tape allegations

Hwang Ui-jo heads to China from Incheon International Airport for the second Group C match of the second qualification round for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday morning. [NEWS1]

Police have booked Korean footballer Hwang Ui-jo after questioning him regarding allegations that he illegally filmed his sexual encounters without his partners’ knowledge.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Monday that its cyber investigation bureau summoned Hwang for questioning on Saturday.

In June, an unidentified individual who claimed to be an ex-lover of Hwang took to Instagram to accuse Hwang of filming videos without consent and having sexual relationships with many women.

The user said Hwang tricked many women into having sex with him by pretending to be in relationships with them. The posts included videos and images of intimate scenes between Hwang and women.

Hwang later in the month filed criminal complaints against the individual for defamation and blackmail.

According to Hwang’s attorney, Hwang’s mobile phone was stolen while the striker played for Olympiacos in Greece. The individual reportedly sent messages to Hwang via Instagram since May, threatening to release the photos and video clips.

The individual was arrested last Thursday on charges of blackmail and leaking the footage.

Hwang was with the national team on Thursday for the first game of the second round of the Asian qualifier group C match for the 2026 World Cup against Singapore at Seoul World Cup Stadium in western Seoul, scoring a goal.

Hwang departed to China the day after questioning for the second game of the second round set for Tuesday.

BY JEONG HYE-JEONG, LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]