Hwang Jung-eum Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in First Trial for Embezzling 4.2 Billion Won in Company Funds: "Sorry for Causing Concern"

Suspended Sentence for Embezzling 4.2 Billion Won in First Trial
Consideration Given for Sole Ownership, Full Repayment, and First Offense

Actor Hwang Jung-eum, who was put on trial for embezzling approximately 4.2 billion won in company funds, received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial.

Actor Hwang Jung-eum receiving a suspended sentence on the 25th and answering questions from reporters while leaving Jeju District Court. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 25th, the Criminal Division 2 of the Jeju District Court (Presiding Judge Lim Jae-nam) sentenced Hwang, who was indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement), to two years in prison with a four-year suspension.

Hwang was accused of embezzling about 4.2 billion won from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, a private agency in which she owned a 100% stake, in 2022. Hwang was the only registered artist at the agency.

It was found that Hwang used most of the embezzled money to invest in cryptocurrency, while the remainder was spent on paying property and local taxes, as well as credit card bills. Hwang's side admitted to all charges and stated that the full amount was repaid in two installments on May 30 and June 5.

The court explained its sentencing by stating, "The defendant's guilt is not light, given that a large portion of the damage was used for speculative investments and the purchase of expensive luxury goods." However, the court also took into account that "the victimized company is the defendant's own private company, so any losses are limited to the defendant; the full amount was repaid; and this is the defendant's first offense."

Hwang left the courtroom in tears immediately after the sentencing and told reporters, "I am sorry for causing concern. I have never even been near a police station before, so I cried when I heard the verdict." Hwang's attorney stated, "We respect the court's decision."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.