The actress, formerly of Sugar, is charged with embezzling around 4.3 billion won from company funds, facing a possible 3-year prison term.

On the 21st, Jeju District Prosecutors asked for a 3-year sentence during the final trial for Hwang's embezzlement under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes Act, reported by Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2 (Judge Lim Jae-nam).

Hwang allegedly embezzled about 4.34 billion won, including 700 million won borrowed by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, investing in cryptocurrency under the pretense of advance payments in early 2022.

Reports indicate she used 4.2 billion won for cryptocurrency investments, using the rest for taxes and other expenses.

The company involved is family-owned, with Hwang owning 100% of shares and being its sole artist.

Hwang admitted to the charges, having repaid the advance payments to Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5, as documented in court.

Her legal team requested leniency, arguing Hwang's intent to grow the company without proper accounting knowledge, leading to her crime. They noted no other victims exist, and full repayment has been made, urging consideration.

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