Hwang Jung Eum returns after one-year hiatus, says “I did everything I could to take responsibility”

Actress Hwang Jung Eum returned to the public eye after approximately one year away from the entertainment industry, following a high-profile legal case involving embezzlement allegations.

On May 19, Hwang launched an official personal channel and uploaded a video titled 'It’s been a while. Sharing my story after one year.' In the video, she invited a production team into her home and spoke candidly about her recent circumstances and personal reflections.

Appearing visibly nervous, she admitted feeling awkward on camera and struggled at times to continue speaking. Hwang explained that she had been focused on resolving a major issue in her life over the past year.

“There was a significant incident that many people already know about, and I spent the entire time trying to resolve it,” she said. “The past year felt like a month. I tried my best to take responsibility within my capacity so that no additional harm would be caused to others because of me.”

She also addressed the issue of advertising contract penalties, stating that she has fully repaid the required compensation. However, she emphasized that financial settlement did not absolve her of wrongdoing. “Paying back the money does not erase what I did. I am deeply sorry,” she said, adding that she felt regret over the impact on production teams, advertisers, and fans.

When asked whether she handled everything on her own, Hwang responded lightly, “Do I even have a husband to help me?” drawing a brief moment of humor. She also shared that her children were what helped her endure the difficult period. “When I look at my children, they are so precious. I think I was able to get through it because of them. As a mother, I had to keep going,” she said.

Hwang was previously indicted for allegedly withdrawing approximately 4.34 billion KRW (about 3.1 million USD) from her one-person agency between 2022 and 2023 under the guise of temporary loans. Reports stated that around 4.2 billion KRW (about 3.0 million USD) was used for cryptocurrency investments and personal expenses. In a subsequent court ruling, she received a suspended sentence of two years in prison with a four-year probation period.

The actress, known for her long career in television and film, married professional golfer and businessman Lee Young Don in 2016, with whom she has two sons. The couple previously faced marital difficulties and briefly reconciled before ultimately divorcing in 2024.