Actress Hwang Jung Eum, who faced allegations of embezzling around 4.3 billion KRW (about $3.3 million) from her company's funds, is being removed from the final episode of the TV show 'Because I’m Solo.'

As per a Star News report on the 16th, the producers of the SBS Plus E Channel’s show decided to lessen Hwang Jung Eum’s presence in the closing episode. Due to the grave nature of the accusations and with only one episode left before the show's conclusion on the 20th, the production team opted to reduce her screen time.

Initially, Hwang Jung Eum was scheduled to appear solely as a studio MC without any pre-recorded segments in the finale. The VCR part will showcase actresses Park Eun Hye and Ye Ji Won sharing about their daily lives as “solo sisters.”

Throughout the season, Hwang Jung Eum co-hosted the show alongside Shin Dong Yup, interacting with viewers as a studio MC. 'Because I’m Solo' is a reality program that depicts the genuine daily lives of single women who find happiness in their solo status. Since the program resumed airing on March 4, Hwang Jung Eum drew attention not just as an MC but also by sharing glimpses of her personal solo life as one of the “solo sisters.”

However, allegations emerged on the 15th regarding Hwang Jung Eum embezzling 4.3 billion KRW (approximately $3.3 million) from a private company she owns, casting doubt on her continued participation in the show. Although filming for the final episode had been completed, the production team intends to heavily edit her appearance during post-production.

Hwang Jung Eum was accused, but not detained, for embezzling roughly 4.34 billion KRW (about $3.3 million) by the end of 2022. This sum included 700 million KRW (around $499,596) she had taken as a loan advance from her agency, which she then invested in cryptocurrency. Details indicate that about 4.2 billion KRW (approximately $3.002 million) of the embezzled funds went towards crypto assets.

The affected company is a privately-owned business entirely owned by Hwang Jung Eum, commonly known as a “one-person corporation” often established by celebrities. This entity is separate from her current agency, Y·ONE Entertainment. During her initial trial, Hwang Jung Eum reportedly admitted to the accusations.

On the 15th, through her agency, Hwang Jung Eum released a statement apologizing for causing worry due to the unfortunate situation. She disclosed that around 2021, she ventured into cryptocurrency investment, buoyed by those around her, to grow the company's funds. Although the money belonged to the company, it was proceeds from her work, and she made an immature decision.

She assured, “To rectify the inappropriate transactions involving the company, I have switched to another agency and am actively resolving all matters with the company. By selling personal assets, I have repaid a significant portion of the previously withdrawn funds and am in the process of settling the remaining balance. I apologize once more and am ready to take full responsibility as required.”

Read more: K-netizens react to Hwang Jung Eum embezzling her company funds to invest in cryptocurrency.