Hwang Jung-eum Pulled from TV & Ads Over $3M Crypto Use

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Hwang Jung-eum Pulled from TV Show and Ads Over $3 Million Crypto Use

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

Hwang Jung-eum admitted to using 4.3 billion won from her agency to buy crypto, which led to criminal charges and public backlash;
Following her court testimony, a reality show removed her scenes and reduced her hosting role in the final episode;
A health drink brand pulled ads and canceled events featuring Hwang, with no clear reason beyond "schedule changes".

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Hwang Jung-eum Pulled from TV Show and Ads Over $3 Million Crypto Use

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South Korean actress Hwang Jung-eum is facing public criticism after admitting she used over 4.3 billion won (around $3.1 million) from her own company to buy cryptocurrency.

The money came from a one-person agency she owned and used to manage her career.

Her admission was made during a court hearing on May 15 at Jeju District Court. Prosecutors charged her under a law that deals with serious economic crimes.

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In a May 16 statement shared by her new management company, Y.One Entertainment, Hwang said she was sorry and explained that she hoped the investment would help her business grow. She admitted the decision was rushed and poorly thought out.

On May 20, the production team of the reality show Because I’m Single removed her from the final episode. They said her recorded footage would not be shown, and her role as host would be reduced.

Additionally, a drink company, Daesang Wellife Nucare, pulled down its latest advertising campaign featuring Hwang days after it launched. The company also cancelled an online event and removed her promotional content from social media, with no direct explanation beyond "schedule changes".

In court, Hwang’s lawyers explained that although the funds came from her company, the income was earned from her own acting work. Since companies in South Korea cannot hold crypto directly, the money has been kept under her personal name.

Her legal team argued that the money was effectively hers, not separate from her business income.

On May 18, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized nearly 25 Bitcoin, a beachside mansion, and a Mercedes-Benz from Shane Stephen Duffy of Queensland. What led to the seizure? Read the full story.