South Korean actress Hwang Jung Eum has repaid about two-thirds of the 4.34 billion KRW ($3.1 million) she allegedly embezzled from her company. The remaining 1 billion KRW ($718,000) will be settled before her next court hearing in August 2025.
Her lawyer, Kim Chi Woong, confirmed the repayment progress. He said most creditors are banks, and secured mortgages on her real estate will help cover the rest. The court will review the payments in August before deciding on sentencing.
Hwang admitted to all charges during her first trial on May 15. She took company funds from her fully owned agency and invested them in cryptocurrency, losing most of the money.
“The company’s income came from her personal work. She has repaid part by selling crypto assets and will cover the rest through property sales,” her lawyer said in court.
The actress claimed she wanted to grow her business but lacked crypto knowledge. “I thought the company’s money was my earnings. It was an immature decision,” she said in a statement.
Prosecutors accused her of taking 700 million KRW ($500,000) as “temporary payments” in early 2022 and later misusing 4.34 billion KRW by December that year. About 4.2 billion KRW ($3 million) went into crypto investments.
Her legal team argued that since she fully owned the agency, the funds were technically hers. However, using company money for personal investments still broke the law.
The case has affected her career. She was edited out of the final episode of the reality show “Because I’m Single” due to the scandal. Hwang is also going through a divorce with ex-golfer Lee Young-don.
The court allowed more time for repayment before the next hearing. If she clears the remaining debt, it may influence her sentencing. Prosecutors will recommend punishment in August.
Hwang debuted as a Sugar member in 2001 and gained fame through dramas like “Kill Me Heal Me” and “She Was Pretty.” Her current agency, Y.One Entertainment, is verifying facts about the case separately.
“I apologize for causing concern with this shameful matter. I take full responsibility,” Hwang said in her public apology.
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