Actress Hwang Jung-eum has been requested to serve a three-year prison term for embezzling approximately 4.3 billion KRW from her company.

The Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2, presided over by Judge Im Jae-nam, held Hwang's sentencing hearing. She faces charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes for embezzlement.

Prosecutors requested a three-year prison sentence, noting that the sentence considered mitigating circumstances. Hwang admitted to all charges.

After the hearing, Hwang addressed reporters, saying, "I worked hard but failed to properly manage taxes. I deeply reflect on my actions and sincerely apologize."

In July 2022, Hwang transferred 700 million KRW from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment's loan funds to her personal account as an advance payment, which she invested in cryptocurrency. By October of that year, she had embezzled a total of 4.34 billion KRW, with about 4.2 billion KRW used for crypto investments and the remainder for property and local taxes.

Hwang repaid the advance amounts in two installments on May 30 and June 5. Her agency explained that as a single-owner corporation without professional management experience, she lacked sufficient accounting knowledge and is deeply remorseful.

The final sentencing is scheduled for next month.