This statement by actress Hwang Jung-eum is gaining renewed attention at a time when allegations of embezzling 4.2 billion won have emerged.

Hwang Jung-eum revealed her daily life with her two sons at a two-story house worth 4.6 billion won, dubbed 'Jung-eum House,' on the SBS Plus variety show 'Solo, That's Why' Season 2, which aired last March. The spacious yard and upscale interior, equipped with a tent and trampoline, were highlighted by MC Shin Dong-yeob, who marveled, 'There's no better place to raise two sons.'

However, what caught the viewers' attention the most was Hwang Jung-eum's luxury supercar. After dropping off her children, she personally drove the supercar to go out, and regarding the vehicle, she said, 'I bought it as a gift to myself when I first decided to get a divorce. It's very expensive,' adding, 'I have to work hard to pay off the installments,' which elicited cheerful laughter.

Yet, the comments that drew laughter at the time are now returning with a sense of bitterness. On the 15th, Hwang Jung-eum attended her first trial on charges of embezzling approximately 4.3 billion won of company funds, of which 4.2 billion won was invested in cryptocurrency. Coincidentally, a scene from the broadcast where she confidently stated, 'I tend to spend money in advance of what I will earn in the future,' is being reexamined.

Netizens reacted coldly, saying, 'Was that money ultimately company money? No way,' 'The money you will earn in the future is your money, not company funds…,' and 'Watching this scene again gives me chills,' while contrasting responses like 'There must be some circumstances' and 'Let's wait for Hwang Jung-eum's perspective first' have also followed.

Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-eum's agency has stated that they are 'fact-checking' the allegations, and the production team of 'Solo, That's Why,' in which she is a fixed grants participant, is discussing the possibility of editing in the future.

Amid this, on the evening of the 15th, Hwang Jung-eum bowed her head, saying through an official statement, 'I am sorry for causing concern to many due to this embarrassing incident.'

[OSEN]