Actress Hwang Jung-eum received a three-year prison sentence recommendation from prosecutors related to allegations of embezzlement amounting to billions of won.
During the sentencing hearing held on the 21st at the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2 (presiding judge Director General Lim Jae-nam), the prosecution requested a three-year prison sentence for Hwang Jung-eum, stating that the charges of violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) had been confirmed.
Hwang Jung-eum is accused of embezzling about 4.3 billion won from Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment, a one-person planning agency she owns, and investing it in cryptocurrency in 2022. According to the investigation, she allegedly transferred part of the loan received in the agency's name to her personal account to use for investment, and it was revealed that she poured most of the company's funds into coin investments through a total of 13 transactions until October of the same year. It was also confirmed that personal credit card payments and some interest on stock collateral loans were paid using company funds.
However, Hwang Jung-eum acknowledged all charges during the first trial held in May and stated that she would repay the full amount of the damages. In fact, she has confirmed that she disposed of personal assets, including real estate, to repay the full amount of damages on two occasions, May 30 and June 5. The agency officially announced, 'All financial relations with Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment have been settled.'
After the embezzlement fact was revealed, Hwang Jung-eum publicly apologized, stating, 'I jumped into coin investment after being encouraged with a desire to grow the company, and even though it was company funds, I mistakenly judged that it was revenue generated from my activities.' She added, 'As the owner of a one-person corporation, I lacked the necessary knowledge in taxation. I will seek the help of experts to restore trust in the future.'
Reactions from internet users regarding this incident are mixed. Some strongly criticized, saying, 'Only three years in prison for embezzling billions of won, isn't that a slap on the wrist?' On the other hand, other internet users praised Hwang Jung-eum's swift asset repayment and responsible attitude, stating, 'She has repaid the full 4.3 billion won in just a month and is deeply remorseful. This could lead to a reduction in her sentence.'
Regardless of the legality, this incident is assessed as a case that has caused social controversy due to the lack of accounting and tax knowledge in the 'celebrity company.' Hwang Jung-eum has had some scenes edited out of the entertainment program 'Solo Credits' and is actively taking steps for apology and accountability to restore her image.
The sentencing hearing for Hwang Jung-eum is scheduled to take place in September, and internet users are paying attention to how her full repayment will affect her sentence.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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