Actor Hwang Jung-eum has faced the public amid ongoing controversies and personal life issues. Divorce lawsuits, misunderstandings involving a mistress, confessions of conflict with her children, tax investigations, and recently emerging embezzlement charges have led to continuous 'bad news' surrounding Hwang Jung-eum.
Previously, Hwang Jung-eum married businessman Lee Yeong-don, a former professional golfer, in 2016 and had two sons, but after experiencing a divorce crisis, they reconciled. However, in February of last year, she once again entered into divorce litigation. During that process, Hwang Jung-eum mistakenly exposed an innocent person as a 'mistress' on social media and immediately apologized, stating, "They have never met my husband and are not a mistress."
Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-eum sincerely opened up about her conflicts with her son on the currently airing variety show 'Solo So', moving viewers to tears. During a counseling session, her son Wang-sik expressed his anxiety and distress, and Hwang Jung-eum repeatedly blamed herself, saying, "I don't know how to handle this as it's my first time as a mom." The sight of Wang-sik stepping in to stop his younger brother from being hit, and his demeanor of seemingly holding back the question, "Why isn't dad coming?" ultimately brought Hwang Jung-eum to tears.
"It was a mistake; I caused all the (pain), everything I didn't know is my fault," Hwang Jung-eum said, taking full responsibility. She reflected on her own behavior of being immersed in her phone and social media at home, deeply contemplating the restoration of her relationship with her children.
As the public continued to support her, the controversies surrounding Hwang Jung-eum did not end there. At the end of last year, she faced a rigorous tax investigation by the National Tax Service and was assessed for several hundred million won in additional taxes. Hwang Jung-eum's side explained, "It was merely a tax payment issue due to differing interpretations, and it is not tax evasion," but her involvement in the 'building purchase-sale' issue has made public suspicion harder to quell.
Despite showcasing a 'new life' by confidently starting a relationship after her divorce, Hwang Jung-eum has recently come under police investigation again due to allegations of embezzling funds from a corporate card, putting her return to variety shows in jeopardy. The production team of 'Solo So' stated, "Hwang Jung-eum's editing status is still under discussion," yet the burden placed on Shin Dong-yeob, who opened the door for Hwang Jung-eum's return, has continued to grow.
Hwang Jung-eum previously remarked, "I had a longing for variety shows, but I was also very afraid," noting, "It was comfortable to decide since Shin Dong-yeob sunbae-nim would participate," showing her sincerity toward 'Solo So'. Given this, the current controversy is undoubtedly more painful for her. Hwang Jung-eum had both talent and sincerity for variety shows, but her personal life struggles and controversies have forced her to reflect on herself continuously.
Meanwhile, on the evening of the 15th, Hwang Jung-eum bowed her head and stated, "Once again, I apologize and will fulfill my responsibilities as needed."
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