Actress and ex-Sugar member Hwang Jung-eum charged with misappropriating 4.3 billion won in company funds, facing a proposed 3-year prison term.

On the 21st, Jeju prosecutors sought a 3-year sentence for Hwang in her final trial for embezzlement under the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, at Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2.

Hwang allegedly embezzled 4.34 billion won, including 700 million won from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, for cryptocurrency investments disguised as advance payments in early 2022.

She reportedly invested 4.2 billion won in cryptocurrency, using the rest for taxes and other expenses.

The company involved is family-owned, with Hwang as 100% shareholder and sole managed artist.

Hwang admitted to the charges, having repaid advance payments by June 5, with documents submitted to the Jeju Court.

Her legal team requested leniency, arguing Hwang aimed to grow the company, lacked accounting knowledge, and repaid the full amount, asserting no other victims exist.

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