After 15 years since "High Kick Through the Roof" ended with a sad ending, the cast reunited in an advertisement, but in reality, they once again headed toward an unfortunate conclusion. The embezzlement controversy surrounding Hwang Jung-eum is causing aftershocks in the advertising and broadcasting industries.

On 12th, Daesang Welllife New Care released an advertisement bringing back the actors from the popular MBC sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof." The advertisement features Hwang Jung-eum, along with Choi Daniel, Jung Bo-seok, Oh Hyun-kyung, Julien Kang, Jin Ji-hee, and Seo Sin-ae, exciting fans.

In particular, Hwang Jung-eum and Choi Daniel, who were greatly loved as the designated couple in the series, appeared in the advertisement holding a little girl. Earlier in "High Kick," Choi Daniel seemed to face a traffic accident while heading to the airport with Shin Se-kyung, ending with criticisms of an "outlandish ending" and expressions of feeling betrayed by those who supported the designated couple.

However, in this advertisement, the two appeared as though they were married and had a child, showcasing a delayed happy ending after 15 years.

But just three days after the video was released, all content was removed. This was due to the revelation on 15th that Hwang Jung-eum is facing trial for embezzling 4.34 billion won from her agency's funds to invest in cryptocurrency.

According to the indictment, Hwang Jung-eum is accused of embezzling 730 million won out of 4.34 billion won in company funds by claiming it as an advance payment and investing it in cryptocurrency, along with other embezzlement charges until December 2022.

The victim agency has been identified as a family corporation wholly owned by Hwang Jung-eum, and it has been revealed that approximately 4.2 billion won of the embezzled funds was invested in cryptocurrency. In relation to this, Hwang Jung-eum acknowledged the indictment and requested a hearing for reimbursement of the damages, and the court accepted this.

Hwang Jung-eum also stated through her agency, "I had a desire to grow the company, and around 2021, I was advised by those around me to expand the company's funds through coin investments, leading me to engage in cryptocurrency investments that I was not well acquainted with. Although the funds were in the company's name, they were profits earned from my activities, so I believe I made an immature judgment."

She continued, "In order to correct my wrongful transactional relationships, I am currently involved with another agency and am cleaning up my transactional relationships with the company. I have repaid a significant portion of the funds I withdrew in the form of advance payments from the company by disposing of personal assets, and I am in the process of settling some unpaid amounts," adding, "I once again apologize and will fulfill the necessary responsibilities."

However, the public has already turned their backs. Not only has the advertisement featuring Hwang Jung-eum been deleted, but the show "Solo Because" is also recognizing the controversy and discussing how to edit. The last episode is at risk of being completely edited to exclude Hwang Jung-eum, who is the MC and cast member.

Hwang Jung-eum has been plagued by ongoing controversies such as divorce lawsuits, accusations of affair participation, tax investigations, and embezzlement issues in recent years. With the reunion of the "High Kick" couple through the advertisement receiving fans' expectations, concerns surrounding actress Hwang Jung-eum have been heightened.

[Photo] OSEN DB, advertisement capture

[OSEN]