Actress Hwang Jung-eum (40) has admitted to and apologized for embezzling company funds for cryptocurrency investments from her one-person agency.
On the 15th, Hwang Jung-eum expressed her apologies on social media, stating, "I am deeply sorry for causing concern over this shameful matter. I established and have been operating an entertainment agency for my career. This agency, in which I hold a 100% stake, has never had any other entertainers signed to it, and all its earnings came from my activities."
During the first trial for the violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) held at the Jeju District Court's 2nd Criminal Division (Chief Judge Lim Jae-nam), Hwang admitted to most of the charges, stating, "From early 2022 to December, I embezzled approximately 4.34 billion won by taking out 700 million won as an advance payment for cryptocurrency investments among the funds borrowed by the agency."
Hwang explained, "In an effort to grow the company, I was persuaded by someone close to me around 2021 to try and increase the company's funds through cryptocurrency investments. Although it was the company's money, it was earned through my activities, which led me to make this naive decision."
Furthermore, Hwang mentioned, "Although I incurred losses from the cryptocurrency investments, I am the sole owner of the company's shares, and there are no other entertainers signed under us. Fortunately, there are no other creditors besides the bank that has secured collateral, so I believe no third parties were harmed." She emphasized, "I am currently affiliated with another agency and am in the process of cleanly severing my business relations with the previous company."
Lastly, Hwang bowed her head, saying, "I have repaid a significant portion of the funds withdrawn in the form of advances from the company by liquidating my personal assets, and I am in the process of settling the remaining unpaid amount. I apologize once again and will take full responsibility as necessary."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)