The management of South Korean national team striker Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) announced on the 12th that it will pursue legal action against allegations of "VIP service abuse," calling the claims false.
Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that Hwang violated road traffic laws in May last year by abandoning a broken-down supercar on Seoul's Yeongdong Bridge. The report also alleged he engaged in abusive behavior toward a vehicle concierge service company, including having them handle an accident on his behalf following a collision in July.
According to the report, the company claimed it provided vehicle concierge services for unofficial events including travel, golf outings, and funerals. The company alleged that Hwang's side "demanded services not specified in the contract."
The company also claimed Hwang failed to properly fulfill contractual obligations such as promotional activities.
In response, Hwang's agency Be The HC Corporation issued a rebuttal. "This is a malicious act that exploits a star player's status and good deeds to escape their own financial difficulties by publishing false information," the agency stated. "We will actively pursue legal action to reveal the truth and prevent such conduct from recurring."
Regarding the supercar abandonment allegation, the agency explained: "Hwang spoke with the company's CEO, who promised to send a tow truck and a temporary replacement vehicle. He waited in the car for about 15 minutes. When the vehicle was delayed and road conditions became dangerous, he moved to a nearby restaurant to wait further." The agency attributed the breakdown to "the company's failure to adequately explain the vehicle's operating requirements to the service recipient."
On allegations of abusive behavior and obtaining free services, the agency countered: "The contract explicitly states that 'services will be provided to Hwang Hee-chan, his immediate family, and his agency.' This was neither an unauthorized free service situation nor abusive behavior."
Hwang's side further claimed the company used the player's image rights without authorization, continued promotional activities featuring Hwang after the contract ended in August last year, and failed to disclose that it had ceased operations during the contract period.