South Korean Actress Hwang Jung-eum Faces 3-Year Prison Sentence for Crypto Embezzlement

Prosecutors in South Korea have demanded a three-year prison term for actress Hwang Jung-eum, alleging she embezzled 4.3 billion won ($3.1 million) from her entertainment agency to invest in cryptocurrency. The funds were reportedly used for personal crypto purchases in 2022, with additional accusations of an 800 million won ($571,866) company loan diverted to her personal account.

Hwang, known for roles in popular dramas like 'High Kick Through The Roof' and 'Kill Me, Heal Me,' admitted to the misuse of funds. Prosecutors presented evidence of repeated transactions converting company money into crypto assets, along with using corporate funds for personal expenses like property taxes.

Her defense claims restitution through asset sales, but the court's sentencing decision looms in late September. The case underscores tightening regulatory scrutiny on crypto-related financial misconduct in South Korea.