Hwang Jung-eum, who gained fame as a member of the musical group Sugar, is under scrutiny for allegedly misusing approximately 4.3 billion won from company funds. A 3-year prison term is being recommended for these charges.

Legal sources disclosed on the 21st that the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office has asked for a 3-year jail term for Hwang during the concluding trial. This trial, held at the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2 under Judge Lim Jae-nam, concerns violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, specifically embezzlement.

The charges against Hwang involve the alleged embezzlement of roughly 4.34 billion won, which includes about 700 million won obtained by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment. This money was reportedly invested in cryptocurrency, under the pretext of advance payments, starting in early 2022.

Reports indicate that approximately 4.2 billion won of the embezzled funds were directed towards cryptocurrency investments. The remaining amount was spent on property and local taxes, among other financial obligations.

The entertainment agency implicated is fully owned by Hwang, who holds 100% of its shares and is its only artist.

Hwang has acknowledged all accusations and has reportedly reimbursed the advance payments taken from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5. Documentation of this repayment has been presented to the Jeju District Court.

Representatives of Hwang have requested leniency, arguing, "The defendant's investment was aimed at expanding the company. Her lack of understanding regarding accounting and formal procedures led her to mistakenly believe that repayment would solve the issues, thus resulting in the misconduct. There are no additional victims, and the full amount has been returned; therefore, we seek leniency."

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