The 'trustworthy actor' Hwang Jung-eum has suffered significant damage to her image. Will it still be possible for her to work as an actor?
While she is currently appearing on the SBS Plus variety show 'Because I'm Single,' Hwang Jung-eum recently acknowledged allegations of embezzlement amounting to 4.2 billion won, casting a shadow over her overall activities. The recent acknowledgment of the embezzlement allegations is expected to impede her career.
Hwang Jung-eum returned to television as a variety show MC in October with 'Because I'm Single,' invigorating the broadcasting industry. She showcased her friendly demeanor and candid nature while teaming up with the 'national entertainer' Shin Dong-yeob, and especially raised her likability by sharing her family life through the show. She received much support as her warm bond with her father and her daily parenting life with her two sons were revealed.
However, as Hwang Jung-eum publicly apologized for her actions, stating it was a 'lack of judgment,' public sentiment shifted. Hwang Jung-eum is reported to have operated a personal agency and invested her activity revenue into cryptocurrency, during which she withdrew about 4.2 billion won from the company's funds. Although she clarified that 'there was no harm to third parties,' it is difficult to avoid questions about her morality as a public figure.
'Because I'm Single,' is set to conclude on the 20th, so immediate repercussions such as a halt in broadcasting are unlikely, but it is expected to significantly affect any future acting activities.
Hwang Jung-eum debuted in 2001 as a member of the girl group 'Sugar' and began her acting career in earnest in 2005 with the drama 'Princess Lulu.' Since then, she has built a solid career, earning recognition for her acting through works such as 'High Kick Through the Roof,' 'Can You Hear My Heart,' 'Secret,' 'Kill Me, Heal Me,' and 'She Was Pretty.' She has particularly excelled in the romantic comedy genre, making a name for herself with her unique style of acting. As someone who established herself as a 'trustworthy actor,' attention turns to how long it will take her to recover her image.
She has expressed that she is currently in the process of moving to a new agency and organizing related matters, but industry reactions indicate that it is difficult to avoid the impact on her image. Especially since she has shared her daily life with her family and expanded her communication with the public, it is expected to significantly affect the authenticity she has built. Some believe that since Hwang Jung-eum expressed her desire for atonement through her honest apology, she might receive another opportunity through reflection and accountability. However, the consensus suggests that she will inevitably need to reorganize her activities for the time being.
There is keen interest in whether she will be able to return as an actor and if her broadcast return as the MC of 'Because I'm Single' will proceed as planned. Attention remains focused on how Hwang Jung-eum will overcome this controversy and reemerge before the public.
In the meantime, at the '2024 SBS Acting Awards,' actors Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-eum, who were nominated for the grand prize, ended up empty-handed. They each showcased their talents in the leading roles of 'Connection' and 'Revival of the Seven.'
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