Hwang Jung-eum Shares Fireworks View from Her 4 Billion Won Itaewon Home... “Show Some Restraint During Your Probation” vs. “What Does It Matter?” [What Do You Think?]

[Financial News] Actor Hwang Jung-eum has come under fire after posting a video of herself watching a fireworks festival with her two sons at her Seoul home, prompting renewed attention to her suspended sentence for embezzling more than 4 billion won in the past.
On September 5, Hwang Jung-eum posted a video on Instagram of herself watching the “2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival” with her two sons.
The video showed them watching the fireworks from a home overlooking the Hangang River and N Seoul Tower. As fireworks rose into the night sky, Hwang Jung-eum and her sons repeatedly exclaimed in amazement.
When one of her sons asked her to take a picture, Hwang Jung-eum replied, “We have to show it to people. Just a moment.”
The location in the video was a detached house in Itaewon, Seoul, which Hwang Jung-eum reportedly purchased in 2020 for more than 4 billion won. The unobstructed view of the Hangang River fireworks festival drew attention to the home as well.
However, the spotlight on the expensive home also revived reports that Hwang Jung-eum had been convicted of embezzling more than 4.3 billion won from a family-owned company.
On September 25 last year, the Criminal Division 2 of Jeju District Court, presided over by Presiding Judge Lim Jae-nam, sentenced Hwang Jung-eum to two years in prison, suspended for four years, for embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes. Prosecutors had sought a three-year prison sentence.
Neither Hwang Jung-eum nor the prosecution appealed, so the ruling became final. Hwang Jung-eum admitted to the charges during the trial, and she was reportedly said to have repaid the full amount embezzled. Her probation period runs through 2029.
Hwang Jung-eum had previously faced controversy several times while sharing aspects of her daily life on social media, including Instagram and YouTube.
She faced criticism after offering to give away toys used by her two sons for free, with commenters questioning the condition of the items. Her dog’s living conditions also drew criticism. After she posted a video wearing a sleeveless top, some people claimed she was not wearing underwear, but others countered that the speculation was excessive after it was confirmed that she was wearing it.
Online reactions to the video were divided.
Some criticized her for actively showcasing her expensive home and comfortable lifestyle while serving a suspended sentence for embezzlement. Comments included, “A suspended sentence is still a punishment,” “She should have shown more restraint,” and “Is she bragging about living in Itaewon?”
Others said the criticism was excessive, writing, “Anyone can enjoy fireworks,” and “What’s wrong with watching fireworks with her own children at her own home?”



[email protected] Reporter Seong Min-seo Reporter