Hwang Ui-jo of the Korean national soccer team is leaving the country through Incheon International Airport to play against China in the second round of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asia Region 2nd Group C Group Stage on the morning of the 19th. 

Hwang Ui-jo (31, Norwich City), who was investigated by the police as a suspect on illegal filming charges, is receiving criticism for participating in the national team game despite the controversy.

The national soccer team led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann defeated China 3-0 in the second match of Group C of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian region second qualifying round held at the Universiade Sports Center in Shenzhen, China on the 21st.

Previously, the Korea Football Association (KFA) released the starting list through its official Instagram before the start of the game. Netizens were very angry when they saw Hwang Ui-jo's name written on the substitute player list.

They asked, “Can a person being investigated as a sex crime suspect be on the list?”, “Is the Football Association crazy to have a player in the squad who appeared on the 8 o’clock news for two days? “You want us to cheer for him in this situation?”, “Maybe it’s because he’s a male player, but neither the staff nor the players seem to have any thoughts about this issue. Everyone normally does it (illegal filming), but I am even suspicious of this.”, “If Hwang Ui-jo is replaced, will the police come?”, “It is amazing that the Football Association and the coach put him on the bench when crime news is being reported in real time.”, “Hwang Ui-jo. They left comments such as “If you try to protect people, your image will go to hell” and “Is representing the national team a joke?”

In particular, one netizen pointed out, “No matter how innocent the principle is, Hwang Ui-jo is still a suspect, and shouldn’t he be used as a replacement until the charges are proven?”

Despite the strong criticism, Coach Klinsmann replaced Hwang Ui-jo with Cho Kyu-seong in the 27th minute of the second half when the team was ahead 2-0.

When Hwang Ui-jo was brought in, netizens said, “Let’s take Hwang Ui-jo out. “I’m embarrassed”, “I was in a good mood, but after Hwang Eui-jo came in, I felt bad”, “Hwang Eui-jo’s iron plate is too thick”, “Hwang Eui-jo gets out”, “I feel embarrassed because of Hwang Eui-jo”, “There are other people who get criticized for being next to Hwang Eui-jo. What's wrong with the players? “Do you think this can become one team?”, “This is a World Cup qualifier and it is a disgrace to the country. There were reactions such as “What kind of suspect represents the country?”

Another netizen referred to Article 6 of the Football Association's national team management regulations and said, "It is clearly stated that national team members at each level must refrain from actions that lower their dignity as representatives of the country and must maintain social responsibility and morality." He pointed out that it was not right for Hwang Ui-jo to play for the national team.

Coach Klinsmann said at a press conference after the game, “I am aware of such controversy in the country, and I understand that the situation is ongoing until the charges are clearly revealed.” “I think that’s the role of a leader,” he said, siding with the players.

At the same time, “In his 40 years of soccer life, he has encountered many issues, speculations, and incidents. “Until something becomes clear, I would like to say that we want to let players demonstrate their skills on the pitch,” he added.

Meanwhile, Coach Klinsmann has also consistently appointed Seung-Hyun Jeong and Yong-Woo Park, who have caused controversy over racial discrimination, as regular starters for the national team.

Hwang Ui-jo, who is accused of illegally filming a sex scene with his ex-lover, initially claimed that he was a victim of threats to 'expose his private life', but when the circumstances of the illegal filming emerged, his status was changed from a complainant to a suspect. The positions of both sides are conflicting, with the victim of illegal filming stating, “I never consented to filming.” 19가이드03