Hwang Jung-eum, a former member of the musical group Sugar, is accused of misappropriating funds totaling approximately 4.3 billion won, with prosecutors pushing for a 3-year sentence.

On the 21st, legal authorities disclosed that during the final trial at the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2, led by Presiding Judge Lim Jae-nam, the prosecution requested a 3-year sentence for Hwang for breaching the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, specifically concerning embezzlement.

The allegations against Hwang involve the embezzlement of approximately 4.34 billion won from company resources, including about 700 million won borrowed by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment. These funds were purportedly channeled into cryptocurrency investments disguised as advance payments in early 2022.

Reports indicate that Hwang directed about 4.2 billion won of the misappropriated funds into cryptocurrency, while the balance was allocated towards property and local tax liabilities, among other financial obligations.

The company implicated is a family-run entity where Hwang holds full ownership and is the sole artist managed by the agency.

Hwang has conceded to the charges and has reportedly restituted the funds initially taken as advance payments from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5, presenting the necessary documentation to the Jeju District Court.

Her legal defense has requested leniency, arguing that the investments were intended to benefit the company. They claim her lack of financial acumen and procedural understanding led her to believe that repayment would suffice to rectify her actions, resulting in the offense. They emphasized that there are no other victims, and the entire sum has been reimbursed, urging the court for lenient consideration.

The court has scheduled Hwang's sentencing hearing for 10 a.m. on the 25th of the following month.