South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo, who plays for Norwich City, has been suspended by the Korea Football Association (KFA) seven weeks before the Asian Cup due to a police investigation into allegations of illegal filming of a sexual encounter with his ex-girlfriend. Hwang denies the accusation.
The 31-year-old forward, who played for South Korea in two World Cup qualifiers this month, has been suspended by the KFA pending the outcome of the police investigation. The KFA stated that, “Until a definitive conclusion is drawn, we have decided to exclude Hwang from the national team.”
Hwang remains eligible to play for Norwich City, and he scored a goal in their 3-2 defeat at Watford on Tuesday. However, the KFA emphasized the need for national players to conduct themselves with a “high degree of morality and responsibility,” making it difficult for Hwang to participate in normal national team activities while under investigation.
Lee Youn-nam, head of the KFA’s ethics committee, explained that considering Hwang is being investigated as a suspect, it is inappropriate for him to be selected for the national team, given the high expectations of football fans.
Hwang, on loan at Norwich from Nottingham Forest, has scored 19 goals in 62 appearances for South Korea. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann expressed understanding of the situation and pledged to respect the decision of the Korea Football Association.
The Asian Cup is scheduled to kick off in Qatar on January 12, with South Korea opening their campaign against Bahrain three days later.