Known to many as a former member of the musical group Sugar, actress Hwang Jung-eum is entangled in legal troubles centered on the embezzlement of roughly 4.3 billion won from corporate funds. Consequently, a prosecutorial request for a 3-year prison sentence hangs over her.
According to sources within the judicial community, on the 21st, the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office formally sought a 3-year custodial sentence for Hwang. This came during the conclusive court session aimed at addressing her violations under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, specifically focusing on embezzlement. The proceedings unfolded in Criminal Division 2 of the Jeju District Court, under the guidance of Presiding Judge Lim Jae-nam.
The accusations against Hwang involve the misappropriation of approximately 4.34 billion won in corporate funds. This figure includes a significant portion of around 700 million won, which was initially borrowed by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment. These borrowed funds were subsequently directed into cryptocurrency under the guise of advance payments, an incident that reportedly transpired in the early months of 2022.
Reports indicate that a major portion of the embezzled sum, about 4.2 billion won, was directed into cryptocurrency investments. The rest of the funds were allegedly utilized for various expenses, such as settling property and local tax obligations.
The entity involved in this matter is a company entirely controlled by Hwang, as she possesses complete ownership of the shares. Notably, she is the sole artist represented by this family-run agency.
In an acknowledgment of the charges, Hwang's legal team has conceded to all allegations. They have also documented that by June 5, the sum acquired as advance payments from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment had been fully restored, as evidenced by documents submitted to the Jeju District Court.
Her defense team has made an earnest appeal for mercy, articulating that Hwang's intentions were oriented towards expanding the company's prospects. They argued that her lack of comprehension regarding accounting principles and procedural norms led her to believe that repayment would remedy the situation, inadvertently leading to the commission of the crime. They emphasized the absence of additional victims and the full restitution of funds, advocating for a compassionate judgment.
The court has scheduled a hearing to deliver Hwang's sentence, set to convene at 10 a.m. on the 25th of the upcoming month.