Overview

• Jeju District Court imposed a two-year prison term suspended for four years, so Hwang will not be jailed unless she reoffends during the probation period.
• An indictment said she diverted about 4.34 billion won in early 2022, investing roughly 4.2 billion won in cryptocurrency and using the remainder to cover tax bills.
• Prosecutors sought a three-year prison term in August, but judges opted for a suspended sentence after she repaid the full amount by early June.
• The agency involved was solely owned by Hwang, and her defense argued the funds traced to her personal entertainment income given corporate limits on holding crypto.
• Entertainment fallout has been reported, including TV edits removing her appearances and advertisers ending campaigns.