On February 14, Hwang Jung Eum shared her stance, saying, “Since it wasn’t true anyway, I didn’t respond.” She added, “We are giving away toys, baby clothes, and books, so please help spread the word.” The actress expressed her frustration after speculation spread online.
The issue began on February 12, when Hwang Jung Eum posted on social media, “Giving away toys for free. These are toys my children used carefully if you need them, feel free to take them ♥,” along with photos. She stated that the giveaway would take place from February 13 to 15 in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The shared images showed a large number of toys including cars, robots, and dinosaur figures piled together on the floor. The toys appeared to have belonged to her two sons.
However, the reaction online was far from warm. Some netizens criticized the post, leaving comments such as, “You should pay to dispose of waste properly,” “If it’s a giveaway, shouldn’t you at least sort them first?” and “It looks like you’re just trying to save on trash bag fees.”
The backlash comes in the wake of Hwang’s legal troubles. Last year, she was indicted on charges of embezzling ₩4.3 billion from her personal corporation. She received a sentence of two years in prison, suspended for four years. After admitting to all charges, she repaid the full amount of damages in two installments in May and June of last year.
Given the circumstances, many observers are interpreting the toy giveaway through a more critical lens.
Meanwhile, Hwang recently completed the registration process for her one-person agency, Hunminjeongeum Entertainment, as a public culture and arts planning business. According to the integrated information system for the popular culture and arts industry, the registration was finalized on January 23. The corporation, established in 2013, lists Hwang as CEO and her mother as an internal director.
Previously, controversy arose when it was revealed that the company had operated without proper registration. Hwang’s side explained that management services had been provided through her former agency, leading them to believe separate registration was unnecessary. They added that the registration process had been underway since November 2025.
Hwang Jung Eum finalized her divorce in May last year and is currently raising her two sons on her own. With her agency registration now complete, attention is turning to whether this marks the beginning of her return to the entertainment industry.
Sources: Nate
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