Hwang Jung-eum, known for her previous involvement with the music group Sugar, faces allegations of diverting roughly 4.3 billion won from corporate resources. Prosecutors are pushing for a 3-year term in prison.

As reported on the 21st, the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office has advocated for a 3-year prison term in Hwang's concluding trial. This trial, concerning her breach of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement), was conducted at Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2, presided over by Judge Lim Jae-nam.

The prosecution has charged Hwang with diverting approximately 4.34 billion won from company accounts. This includes nearly 700 million won sourced from loans taken by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, which she purportedly channeled into cryptocurrency investments under the pretense of advance payments in early 2022.

Reports indicate Hwang allocated about 4.2 billion won of the embezzled funds towards cryptocurrency investments, while the rest was utilized for settling property and local tax obligations, among other financial commitments.

The involved company is a family-run enterprise where Hwang is the sole proprietor, holding full ownership and serving as its only managed artist.

Hwang has conceded to the accusations and has reportedly reimbursed the advance payment sums taken from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5. She has provided corresponding documentation to the Jeju District Court.

Legal representatives for Hwang have appealed for mercy by asserting that her investment actions were intended to expand the business. They argue her lack of accounting acumen and procedural understanding led her to believe that subsequent repayment would rectify the situation, resulting in the offense. They emphasize that no other parties suffered damage and the funds have been completely reimbursed, urging leniency.

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