Renowned actress Hwang Jung-eum, who initially gained fame as part of the music group Sugar, has been indicted for embezzling roughly 4.3 billion won in corporate funds, with prosecutors advocating a three-year prison term.

Information from the legal domain on the 21st indicates that the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office proposed a three-year custodial sentence for Hwang during the concluding trial at the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2, presided over by Judge Lim Jae-nam. The charges pertain to breaches of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).

Hwang's legal troubles stem from allegations of misappropriating approximately 4.34 billion won from corporate accounts, including around 700 million won borrowed under the auspices of Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, which she subsequently channeled into cryptocurrency investments disguised as advance payments in early 2022.

It is understood that Hwang directed about 4.2 billion won of the misappropriated funds into cryptocurrency ventures, while the remaining capital was allocated toward settling property and local tax obligations, among other financial commitments.

The implicated entity is a family-run business where Hwang retains complete ownership, and she is the exclusive talent managed by the firm.

Hwang has acknowledged the charges and reportedly restored the sums taken as advance payments from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5, submitting corroborative documentation to the Jeju District Court.

Hwang's legal team has petitioned for clemency, arguing, "The defendant's investments were aimed at enhancing the company's growth. Her lack of expertise in accounting and procedural matters led her to believe repayment would rectify any wrongdoing, resulting in her actions. Given that there are no additional victims and full restitution has been made, we urge consideration."

Hwang's sentencing is slated for 10 a.m. on the 25th of the upcoming month.