Actor Hwang Jung-eum (40), who is facing charges of embezzling 4.3 billion won, may be completely edited out of the entertainment program 'Solo Because' where she serves as MC.
On the 15th, the first trial for Hwang Jung-eum's case regarding violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) was held under the presiding judge Lim Jae-nam of the Jeju District Court's 2nd Criminal Division.
Hwang Jung-eum was indicted without detention on charges of embezzling over 4.3 billion won of company funds, including 700 million won received under the pretext of advance payments, which she invested in cryptocurrency, from early 2022 until December 2022.
Upon the revelation of these facts, Hwang Jung-eum acknowledged the charges and apologized, stating, "I am sorry for causing concern to many people due to this shameful matter."
She reflected, "I had a desire to grow the company, and around 2021, I was advised by people around me to invest company funds in cryptocurrency, which I did not know much about, and I ended up jumping into it. Although the funds were in the company's name, I think I made a poor judgment because it was profit earned from my activities."
She continued, "Although I suffered losses from cryptocurrency investments, I own 100% of the company's shares, there are no other affiliated artists, and aside from banks that have secured collateral, there are no other creditors, so thankfully, I did not cause harm to any third parties," adding, "I have repaid a significant portion of the funds withdrawn from the company in the form of advance payments by disposing of personal assets, and I am in the process of settling some unpaid amounts."
As Hwang Jung-eum acknowledged the charges, the production team of 'Solo Because', where she is currently appearing as MC, found themselves in a difficult situation. With the show set to end on the 20th, they recently conducted the final filming but are now at risk of having to edit her out completely.
A representative from 'Solo Because' stated on the 16th to Maeil Business Star Today regarding Hwang Jung-eum's editing status, "We are in internal discussions," and attention is focused on what final decision the production team will make.
Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-eum debuted in 2002 as a member of the girl group Sugar and later transitioned to acting, appearing in MBC sitcom 'High Kick Through the Roof', SBS 'Giant', MBC 'Kill Me, Heal Me', and 'She Was Pretty'. She married businessman Lee Mo in 2016 but is currently undergoing divorce proceedings.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
