Actress Hwang Jung-eum has been indicted on charges of embezzlement amounting to 4.2 billion won, and is facing a dishonorable exit as the finale of the variety show “Because I’m Single” approaches.

On the 15th, the Jeju District Court’s 2nd Criminal Division held the first trial for Hwang Jung-eum, who is accused of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement). Hwang Jung-eum is accused of embezzling 4.34 billion won from the company funds of a family corporation in which she holds 100% equity. Of this amount, 4.2 billion won was revealed to have been used for cryptocurrency investments.

Hwang Jung-eum’s side acknowledged most of the charges, noting, “The decision to invest in cryptocurrency was made with the judgment of wanting to grow the company, and the incident occurred while investing under her personal name as the corporation cannot hold it directly.” She further stated, “Some have already been repaid, and the remainder is expected to be responsible through the sale of real estate.”

However, the current embezzlement charges have had an immediate impact on the variety show “Because I’m Single,” where Hwang Jung-eum is currently a fixed MC. The production team informed OSEN, “We are aware of the controversy regarding Hwang Jung-eum and are currently verifying the details with her agency,” stating, “The decision on editing and future direction will depend on our findings.”

“Because I’m Single” is the first program where Hwang Jung-eum has challenged herself as an MC after 23 years since her debut, showcasing her “solo life” and daily life with her two sons, garnering support from viewers. Particularly, Hwang Jung-eum has expressed her unique affection for the program, saying, “I will do this with my life on the line.”

However, with the embezzlement allegations surfacing just a week before the show’s conclusion, there are concerns that Hwang Jung-eum’s segments may undergo “extensive editing” or conclude with a dishonorable exit. This is because the second season of “Because I’m Single” is set to conclude with its 20th episode on the 20th.

On the evening of the same day, Hwang Jung-eum issued an official statement, saying, “It was an immature judgment. There was no harm done to other entertainers or third parties,” acknowledging her mistake. However, the mood indicates that the flames of controversy are unlikely to easily subside. It remains to be seen whether Hwang Jung-eum’s passionate challenge in entertainment will end in controversy or if she will exit without achieving “the beauty of completion.”

[Photo] OSEN DB

[OSEN]