Actress Hwang Jung-eum was sentenced to three years in prison by the prosecution in connection with embezzlement allegations involving tens of billions of won.
In a sentencing hearing held on the 21st at the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Director General Lim Jae-nam), the prosecution requested the court to impose a three-year prison term on Hwang Jung-eum, stating that the violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) was recognized.
Hwang Jung-eum is under suspicion of embezzling about 4.3 billion won from her one-person planning company Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment, which she founded in 2022, to invest in cryptocurrency. Investigations revealed that she transferred part of the loan received in the name of the company to her personal account for investment purposes and that she had invested most of the company's money in coin investments over a total of 13 instances until October of the same year. It was confirmed that, in this process, some of her personal credit card bills and interest on stock collateral loans were paid with company funds.
Hwang Jung-eum admitted to all allegations during the first trial held last May, stating that she would repay the entire amount of damages. In fact, she confirmed that she disposed of her personal assets, including real estate, and repaid the remaining damages in two installments on May 30 and June 5. Her current agency, Y1 Entertainment, officially stated that "the financial relationship with Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment has been completely settled."
He previously noted, "I jumped into coin investment after being encouraged by the desire to grow the company, and although it was company money, I made a naive judgment as it was revenue earned from my activities," and he has expressed regret. He added, "As the owner of a one-person corporation, my tax knowledge was insufficient. Moving forward, I will seek help from experts to regain trust."
Despite repaying the entire 4.3 billion won within just a month, the prosecution has made it clear that it intends to hold her criminally responsible. This case has raised social controversies beyond mere financial issues, stemming from the lack of accounting and tax knowledge in the 'celebrity agency' sector, significantly impacting Hwang Jung-eum's image. Some scenes featuring her were edited out from the entertainment program "Solo Raseo."
Internet users' reactions are mixed. Some are astonished by Hwang Jung-eum's financial capability, commenting, "She repaid 4.3 billion won in just a month, and a three-year sentence is shocking," and "She said her real estate was worth nearly 10 billion won, and she must have cashed everything out to pay it back." Others pointed out ethical responsibilities, saying, "A mistake is a mistake, and it's fortunate that she repaid quickly," and "Repaying doesn't mean everything is over."
The result of Hwang Jung-eum's criminal trial is expected to be announced in September. There is keen interest in how her full repayment will affect the charges and sentencing.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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