South Korean actress Hwang Jung-eum has received a suspended prison sentence for embezzling more than 4.2 billion won (approximately $3 million) from her own management agency to fund personal cryptocurrency investments.
The Jeju District Court handed down a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years. This means the actress will avoid actual jail time unless she commits another offense within the four-year probation period. The court’s decision took into account that Hwang had fully repaid the embezzled funds and had no prior criminal record. Prosecutors had initially pushed for a three-year sentence.
The Embezzlement Scheme
According to the indictment reported by South Korean media outlets like Yonhap News Agency, Hwang transferred company funds to her personal accounts on 13 separate occasions in early 2022. She reportedly disguised the transfers as “advances” after securing loans in the agency’s name.
While the majority of the embezzled money—about $3 million—was funneled into cryptocurrency investments, the remaining funds were used to cover personal tax bills and other expenses.
During her first court appearance in May, the actress requested more time to complete the repayment, having already returned around 3 billion won. By selling off personal assets, she managed to repay the remaining amount in full by early June, a key factor in her receiving a suspended sentence.
From K-Pop Idol to Acclaimed Actress
The 40-year-old entertainer began her career in 2001 as a member of the K-pop girl group Sugar. She later transitioned to acting, where she achieved significant fame and became a household name for her leading roles in several hit dramas, including the critically acclaimed “Kill Me, Heal Me“ and the popular romantic comedy “She Was Pretty“.
