Hwang Jung-eum Reported to Fully Repay ₩4.3 Billion KRW in Embezzlement Case: Next Hearing on August 21
Actress Hwang Jung-eum, who recently faced scrutiny over allegations of embezzling corporate funds, has officially repaid the full amount of ₩4.34 billion KRW (approximately $3.19 million USD), her agency confirmed on June 17.
In a formal statement, Y.ONE Entertainment addressed the criminal trial involving Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment, a one-person corporation fully owned by the actress. “It is true that Ms. Hwang has repaid the entire amount she used from Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment in the form of temporary advances,” the agency stated. The repayment was completed in two installments on May 30 and June 5, 2025, by liquidating her personal assets.
The statement emphasized that Hwang’s actions were not rooted in malicious intent but stemmed from a lack of tax and accounting expertise. “As the owner of a one-person corporation and not a professional manager, Ms. Hwang lacked sufficient financial knowledge, which led to this controversy,” the agency explained. “She deeply regrets the situation and is actively cooperating with all legal and ethical procedures.”
A formal apology followed: “We sincerely apologize for the concern this has caused. Moving forward, Ms. Hwang will act with greater caution and responsibility, consulting professionals even in minor matters, in an effort to restore public trust.”
Later, according to a four-page indictment obtained by lawmakers on July 11, Hwang attempted to open a cryptocurrency account under her agency’s name in 2022 but, facing difficulty, resorted to transferring company funds into her personal account under the guise of temporary advance payments.
Investigators found that she never drafted any formal agreements regarding repayment terms or interest, a red flag that further reinforced the fraudulent nature of the transfers.
Hwang Jung-eum was previously indicted without detention for embezzling funds between 2020 and December 2022, including the withdrawal of ₩700 million KRW for personal investments, such as cryptocurrency. While legal proceedings are still ongoing, her complete repayment of the funds marks a significant step toward resolution.
Hwang Jung Eum’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 21 at the Jeju District Court.
Full Statement from Y.ONE Entertainment
Hello, this is Y.ONE Entertainment.
We would like to share our official statement regarding the ongoing criminal trial concerning actress Hwang Jung-eum‘s use of funds from Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment.
Ms. Hwang Jung-eum has fully repaid the entire amount she used in the form of temporary advances from Hoonminjeongeum Entertainment. The repayment was made in two installments on May 30 and June 5, 2025, through the liquidation of her personal assets. Accordingly, we confirm that all financial matters between Hoonminjeum Entertainment and Ms. Hwang Jung-eum have been completely resolved.
As the owner of a one-person corporation and not a professional manager, Ms. Hwang lacked adequate knowledge in tax and accounting, which contributed to this situation. She deeply reflects on the matter and is sincerely fulfilling all necessary legal and moral obligations to bring this case to a prompt resolution.
We once again extend our heartfelt apologies for causing concern and promise that from now on, Ms. Hwang will approach even the smallest matters with greater care and responsibility, seeking guidance from professionals to restore trust.
Thank you.