Police Clear Hwang Hee-chan on Eve of World Cup Opener
Police in Seoul decided not to forward two complaints against hwang hee-chan’s side to prosecutors after finding no case to answer in allegations including fraud, joint intimidation and business obstruction. The decision, announced by his agency Be The.H.C Corporation, came just days before he was due to begin his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign for South Korea in North America.
Seoul Songpa Police Station
Seoul Songpa Police Station handled the complaints and concluded that the allegations did not justify referral to prosecutors. The case had centered on claims that Hwang and his representatives acted unfairly in relation to a vehicle and protocol service agreement.
Be The.H.C said the arrangement was a legitimate bilateral contract. Under it, UCK provided vehicle and protocol services, while Hwang allowed the company to use his image rights for advertising without a separate modelling fee.
Be The.H.C Corporation
The agency said the dispute had already placed significant emotional distress and severe psychological pressure on Hwang’s camp. It said the player and his agency fulfilled their contractual obligations in good faith, including promotional filming beyond the number originally agreed.
Be The.H.C also said Hwang’s side arranged corporate meetings, introduced the company to acquaintances and helped the start-up expand its network. It said the side provided a 10 million won encouragement payment, tickets for South Korea matches and Premier League fixtures, and accommodation in the United Kingdom.
UCK and BTOLAB
The agency said the contract ended normally after its term expired. It also said it submitted objective evidence to investigators, including recordings in which the opposing company’s representative allegedly thanked Hwang’s side.
Be The.H.C alleged that UCK closed in March 2025 and said BTOLAB, an investor in UCK, later presented the end of the contract as if it had been caused by wrongdoing on Hwang’s side. The agency accused the opposing side of exploiting his public profile by filing complaints and spreading a distorted version of events.
For Hwang, the police decision removes a legal dispute that had stretched across months and leaves his World Cup preparation focused on football rather than a case built around a vehicle and protocol service deal. South Korea now moves into the tournament without that off-field issue hanging over one of its forwards.
