The former Sugar member is charged with misappropriating 4.3 billion won of company funds, facing a proposed 3-year prison term.

On the 21st, legal sources confirmed the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office requested a 3-year sentence for Hwang in the final trial, presided over by Judge Lim Jae-nam, at Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2.

Hwang allegedly embezzled around 4.34 billion won, including 700 million won borrowed by Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, investing it in cryptocurrency as advance payments in early 2022.

Reports indicate 4.2 billion won of the embezzled funds went to cryptocurrency, with the rest covering property and local taxes.

The involved agency is family-owned, with Hwang as the sole shareholder and artist.

Hwang admitted to all charges and reimbursed the advance payments by June 5, submitting related documents to the Jeju District Court.

Her defense requested leniency, arguing the intent was company growth, citing ignorance of accounting procedures. They noted no other victims and full repayment, seeking consideration.

Hwang's sentencing is set for 10 a.m. on the 25th of the next month.