The actress, previously a member of the group Sugar, has been accused of embezzling about 4.3 billion won from company funds, with prosecutors seeking a 3-year prison term.

On the 21st, legal sources revealed that during the final trial held at the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2, the Jeju District Prosecutors requested a 3-year sentence for Hwang. The charges relate to a violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement), with the case presided over by Judge Lim Jae-nam.

Hwang stands accused of misappropriating approximately 4.34 billion won of company funds, including about 700 million won borrowed by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, which was invested in cryptocurrency under the pretext of advance payments in early 2022.

Reports indicate that around 4.2 billion won of the embezzled funds were invested in cryptocurrency, while the remaining amount was allocated for paying property and local taxes, among other financial obligations.

The company involved is a family-run enterprise in which Hwang holds complete ownership and is the only artist managed by the agency.

Hwang has acknowledged all charges and has reportedly reimbursed the advance payments from Hunminjeongeum Entertainment by June 5, providing documentation to the Jeju District Court.

Her legal team has requested leniency, explaining that Hwang intended to grow the company through her investments. They indicated she was unaware of proper accounting practices, believing repayment would rectify the situation, which resulted in the crime. They noted there are no additional victims and the full amount has been returned, asking for the court's consideration.

Hwang's sentencing hearing is set to occur at 10 a.m. on the 25th of the following month.