Hwang Jung-eum, who paid back the full amount of his ”over 400 million yen embezzlement,” is facing a three-year prison sentence despite the prosecution demanding it.

Actor Hwang Jung-eum embezzled 4.3 billion won (approximately 430 million yen) from his company but repaid the entire amount. However, the prosecution sought a three-year prison sentence.

　On the 21st, during the final hearing of the trial held by the 2nd Criminal Division of the Jeju District Court, the prosecution sought a three-year prison sentence for Hwang Jung-eum, who is suspected of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).

　Hwang Jung-eum admitted to the charges. Hwang Jung-eum's lawyer stated, “There are no other entertainers affiliated with the company, and all assets also originated from the defendant's entertainment activities.”

　The court ordered Hwang Jung-eum to submit specific documents proving the repayment of the damages by the next hearing date.

Prior to this, in 2022, Hwang Jung-eum received 7 billion won from a planning company under the pretext of an advance payment and invested it in cryptocurrency. Hwang Jung-eum suffered losses, leading to suspicion of embezzlement.

　Hwang Jung-eum clarified that his agency is a personal office with no other entertainers affiliated, and stated that he disposed of his assets and fully repaid the amount.

At the first hearing, Hwang Jung-eum explained, “I established and operated an entertainment agency, but it was a company I owned 100%,” and added, “Although the funds were in the company's name, they were earnings from my activities, so I made an immature judgment.”

　Additionally, Y·ONE Entertainment, the agency representing Hwang Jung-eum, stated regarding the use of funds between Hwang Jung-eum and her former agency, Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, that “Hwang Jung-eum disposed of his personal assets and fully repaid the funds used in a provisional disbursement format from the former agency in two installments on May 30th and June 5th.”

　Additionally, they apologized, stating, “As the owner of a personal corporation without professional management expertise, there was a lack of appropriate tax and accounting knowledge, which caused controversy. We are sincerely fulfilling all necessary legal and moral measures to resolve this matter promptly.”

Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-eum's sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on the 25th of next month.