Hwang Ui-jo arrives at the airport (Yeongjongdo = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Do-hoon = On the morning of the 19th, Hwang Ui-jo of the national soccer team entered the departure lounge after arriving at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. The national team is scheduled to play against the Chinese national team in Shenzhen, China, on the 21st as part of the 2026 North and Central American World Cup Asian region second qualifying round. 2023.11.19 superdoo82@yna.co.kr/2023-11-19 07:42:56/
Local forecasts continue to suggest that Hwang Ui-jo (32) will be released from his current team, Nottingham Forest. He is deemed to be completely ‘out of service’ and has only one year left on his contract, which raises the likelihood of a complete breakup. Taking various factors into account, it is nearly certain that his debut in the English Premier League (EPL) will not occur, and finding a new destination may prove challenging.
On the 28th (Korean time), local media outlets such as The Athletic and The Telegraph reported that Nottingham FC is looking to release players viewed as surplus to requirements, including Hwang Ui-jo, as the summer transfer market approaches. The Telegraph predicted that four players, including Hwang Ui-jo and Matt Turner, could leave the team as soon as this week either on loan or through permanent transfers, and The Athletic also indicated that they aim to offload four players, including Hwang Ui-jo.
The fact that Nottingham is looking to strengthen its attacking position during the remaining transfer window highlights Hwang Ui-jo’s status, implying that he has been entirely excluded from the team’s plans for the upcoming season. While Hwang Ui-jo was seen training in Nottingham last month, he has not made it onto the bench for a single game since the start of the EPL.
Furthermore, as Hwang Ui-jo’s contract with Nottingham runs until June of next year, it appears that a complete parting of ways with the club is imminent. Even if he leaves the team on loan, the likelihood of extending his contract with Nottingham is almost non-existent, meaning that he will eventually become a free agent next season. In some scenarios, he may need to terminate his remaining contract and search for a new team as a free agent.
The prospect of fulfilling his dream of making an EPL debut is becoming less likely. After leaving Bordeaux (France) in 2023, he signed with Nottingham to pursue his EPL dream but was promptly loaned out to Olympiacos (Greece), FC Seoul, Norwich City (English 2nd division), and Alaniyaspor (Turkey), missing the opportunity to debut in the EPL. Currently, it is safe to assert that there are virtually no other EPL clubs showing interest in acquiring Hwang Ui-jo.
With no clear transfer rumors emerging recently, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to find a new team even if he becomes a free agent. Following his indictment without detention on charges related to illegal filming, it is widely believed that returning to Korea until the results of the trial become clear will be virtually impossible for him. Additionally, given his lack of significant achievements on the European stage recently, it is unclear how long he can expect European teams to remain interested in him.
Meanwhile, Hwang Ui-jo, a former national team member, was indicted without detention last month on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming using a camera, etc.). According to the 1st Women and Children Crime Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, he allegedly filmed videos without consent on four occasions from June to September 2022, resulting in two victims of the illegal filming.
Last November, he was under police investigation as a suspect but still participated in an A-match, drawing significant criticism. The Korea Football Association (KFA) subsequently decided not to select Hwang Ui-jo as a national team player until the investigation’s outcomes were clearly established. Hwang Ui-jo’s initial trial, originally set for the 23rd of this month, was postponed to October 16th after the court granted his request to change the date.
Reporter Kim Myeong-seok clear@edaily.co.kr
<h1>Hwang Ui-jo: Challenges Ahead Amidst Uncertain Future</h1>
<img src="https://isplus.com/data/isp/image/2024/08/28/isp20240828000288.800x.0.jpg" alt="Hwang Ui-jo Arrival at Incheon International Airport" />
<p><strong>Date of Arrival:</strong> November 19, 2023</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Incheon International Airport Terminal 2</p>
<p>Hwang Ui-jo, the prominent forward for the South Korean national soccer team, recently made headlines as he prepared for an upcoming World Cup qualifying match against China. This game is critical for South Korea as they aim to secure their spot in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. However, Hwang finds himself in a challenging situation with his club, Nottingham Forest, which may significantly impact his career trajectory.</p>
<h2>Current Status at Nottingham Forest</h2>
<p>As of now, Hwang Ui-jo is categorized as a player who's completely "out-of-service" at Nottingham Forest. With just one year remaining on his contract, rumors are swirling about his impending release from the club. Recent reports from The Athletic and The Telegraph indicate that Nottingham is actively seeking to offload players who are not part of the team’s plans, including Hwang.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Transfer Speculations:</strong> Several local media outlets predict that Nottingham will prioritize strengthening their striker position, highlighting Hwang’s exclusion from future plans.</li>
<li><strong>Absence from the Bench:</strong> Despite training with Nottingham, Hwang has not made it to the bench for any games this season.</li>
<li><strong>Breaking Up with Nottingham:</strong> With his contract set to expire in June 2024, a separation seems increasingly inevitable.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Hwang's Journey Since Joining Nottingham</h2>
<p>Hwang Ui-jo made a significant move to Nottingham Forest after leaving Bordeaux in France in 2023, hoping to establish himself in the English Premier League (EPL). Unfortunately, his aspirations have not materialized as expected. Following his transfer, Hwang was loaned to several clubs, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Olympiacos (Greece)</li>
<li>FC Seoul (Korea)</li>
<li>Norwich City (English Championship)</li>
<li>Alaniyaspor (Turkey)</li>
</ul>
<p>Despite these opportunities, he has yet to make his debut in the EPL, leaving fans and analysts questioning his future in England.</p>
<h2>Legal Troubles and Impact on Career</h2>
<p>Compounding Hwang’s challenges are legal issues that have arisen recently. He was indicted on charges related to illegal filming, violating the Special Act on Punishment for Sexual Crimes. The allegations involve incidents from June to September 2022, with claims of filming without consent. This situation not only affects his career prospects but also casts a shadow over his reputation both in South Korea and abroad.</p>
<h3>Future Implications</h3>
<p>Currently, Hwang's ability to secure a new contract is severely hampered by his legal troubles. Some key points to consider include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Trial Schedule:</strong> Hwang’s initial trial, which was supposed to occur in November, has been postponed to October 16, 2024.</li>
<li><strong>Ineligibility for National Team:</strong> Given the ongoing investigation, the Korea Football Association has decided not to select Hwang for the national team until the matter is resolved.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Potential Options Moving Forward</h2>
<p>As speculation around Hwang's future grows, various options may be available to him:</p>
<h3>1. Transfer to a Different Club</h3>
<p>Finding a club willing to take a chance on him may be challenging; however, potential opportunities include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lower-tier Teams:</strong> Clubs in lower divisions may view Hwang as a risk worth taking.</li>
<li><strong>Teams in Other Leagues:</strong> A move to leagues outside the EPL—such as in Asia or less competitive European leagues—could provide him the chance to revive his career.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Free Agency</h3>
<p>If a loan or transfer does not materialize, Hwang may become a free agent as his contract with Nottingham expires. In this scenario, he could:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Negotiate Independently:</strong> Have the flexibility to negotiate contracts with various teams.</li>
<li><strong>Rebuild Reputation:</strong> Use the opportunity to prove his skills and regain interest from EPL clubs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Focus on Legal Matters</h3>
<p>Addressing his legal troubles must remain a priority for Hwang. Successfully navigating the legal landscape could open doors for him in the future, as clubs may be more willing to sign players with cleared reputations.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Hwang Ui-jo's current predicament involves a delicate balance of career aspirations, legal challenges, and the need for a strategic approach to his future. While he aims to fulfill his dream of playing in the EPL, the road ahead appears fraught with obstacles, making it crucial for him to chart a careful course in the coming months.</p>
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<p>Reporter Kim Myeong-seok clear@edaily.co.kr</p>
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