According to Chosun on 25/9, the 2nd Criminal Division of the Jeju District Court sentenced Hwang Jung Eum. She was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).

Judge Lim Jae Nam stated, "The extent of the damage in this case is significant, making the defendant's actions very serious. However, the court considered mitigating factors such as the defendant's sincere confession, full repayment of the embezzled amount, the lack of direct harm to others, and this being her first offense".

Actress Hwang Jung Eum after the court hearing on 25/9. Photo: News1

Actress Hwang Jung Eum after the court hearing on 25/9. Photo: News1

Court documents reveal that the actress embezzled approximately 4.34 billion won (over three million USD) from her company in 12/2022, including using 700 million won borrowed by her company as an advance for cryptocurrency investments. Sources indicate Jung Eum owns 100% of the company's shares.

During the first hearing in May, the actress admitted to all charges and requested a postponement of the trial to repay the damages. The court granted this request.

The actress explained, "I rushed into investing with the aim of developing the company, but it was an immature decision. In 2021, I invested in cryptocurrency based on recommendations from people around me. The money was in the company's name, but it was income from my artistic activities, and I made the wrong decision".

Following the May hearing, her management company confirmed Hwang Jung Eum had fully repaid the embezzled amount in two installments (on 30/5 and 5/6) and submitted supporting documents to the Jeju District Court. Before the sentencing, the prosecution had recommended a 3-year prison sentence.

41-year-old Hwang Jung Eum began her career as a singer in the group Sugar, alongside Park Soo Jin, the wife of "Hallyu king" Bae Yong Joon. She left the group for a solo career in 2004. In 2005, she transitioned to acting, making her mark in popular series like "High Kick Through the Roof" (season two), "East of Eden", "Giant", and "Incarnation of Money". In 2015, the actress gained widespread popularity with "She Was Pretty", a series whose rights were purchased for remakes in several Asian countries.

Hwang Jung Eum in "High Kick Through the Roof". Video: MBC

She married businessman Lee Young Don in 2/2016 after a two-month courtship and has two children. Four years later, she filed for divorce at the Suwon District Court, but the court mediated a reconciliation, and they resumed living together. Jung Eum subsequently gave birth to her second child in 3/2022. In 2024, after careful consideration, she decided to separate from her husband. In July of the same year, she announced her relationship with golfer Kim Jong Gyu, seven years her junior. However, they broke up two weeks after going public.

Que Chi (according to Chosun, Hankyung)