Why was Hwang Jung Eum’s house seized?

Her former agency applied for provisional property seizure, claiming it could help recover funds linked to her embezzlement case.

What was Hwang Jung Eum accused of?

She was indicted in a case involving alleged embezzlement of agency funds and later received a suspended prison sentence.

Why did her toy giveaway cause backlash?

Some Korean netizens criticised the condition and presentation of the used toys, questioning the intent behind the donation.

From Home Seizure To Controversy: K-drama Star Hwang Jung Eum In Spotlight

From courtroom drama to online backlash, the Kill Me Heal Me actress is back in the spot.

By Sasha Shinde Updated February 13, 2026 7:14 PM

K-drama actress Hwang Jung Eum, known for her role in She Was Pretty, recently had her house seized by her former company. The latest to be involved in a case of embezzling agency funds, Hwang was indicted by a court last year. After terminating her contract with the agency, it laid claim to her 4.60 billion KRW (approximately 3.19 million USD) luxury home in Itaewon. Read all about the seizure related to the actor’s case and her recent “toy giveaway” that earned the internet’s ire.

K-drama Actor Hwang Jung Eum’s House Taken By Former Agency Y1 Entertainment

As reported by SPOTV News, Y1 Entertainment applied to take over the actor’s detached home in Itaewon, including the land. By accepting the request, the Seoul District Court agreed with the agency’s assertion that the house could grant some reprieve for the huge amount she owes. Amid her indictment, Y1 terminated its contract with Hwang Jung Eum.

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Apparently, the actor had taken out loans worth KRW 700 million (approximately USD 486,000) in the name of her one-person agency. Then, without registering the agency as an entity, Hwang invested this amount in crypto and more, later usurping a total of KRW 4.34 billion (about USD 3.01 million). She repaid the initial amount in the resulting court case. Additionally, the court sentenced her to two years in prison, deferring it by four years.

Korean Netizens Slam Hwang Jung Eum For “Toy Donation Drive”

In another development, the Kill Me Heal Me actress said she was giving away her child’s old toys. Noble, right? Korean social media users don’t think so. She put the used playthings in unsorted piles, making people upset. Also, they believe she is trying to avoid disposing of expired goods. For context, throwing out trash in South Korea is extensive and expensive.

회삿돈 횡령 혐의로 자숙 중인 황정음이
중고 장난감 무료나눔 공지 올려서 욕먹고 있다고 함

일반인이 당근에 공지하면 다들 좋아할 것 같은데..
황정음이라서 역풍 맞는 듯. 연예인이고 지금 이미지가 좋지도 않고..

일부 네티즌 반응: 돈 주고 폐기물 처리하라, 나눔이라면 분류는 해줘야 하는 것… pic.twitter.com/UdtF72gsEz

— 노다메진 (@Lucky_noda) February 13, 2026

Also Read: From Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo To Reply 1988, 5 K-Dramas That Prove Pyaar Dosti Hai!

Some social media users believe her intentions were good. Her celebrity status makes Hwang Jung Eum more susceptible to critique, they say. The K-drama actor has kept a low profile since her 2025 embezzlement scandal. However, these two instances shone the spotlight on her again.

Also Read: From Reply 1988 To Our Beloved Summer, K-dramas About Childhood Sweethearts That Will Have You Swooning!

First Published: February 13, 2026 7:14 PM

Sasha Shinde

Sasha is a Content Writer with experience covering K-pop, K-dramas, and more. She enjoys analysing and decoding music videos, movies, and series for work. Outside work, she can be found sampling Asian food, attempting to tackle her exhaustive reading list, or scrolling on Instagram till she blends with the couch.