Actor Hwang Jung-eum. [Newsis]
Actor Hwang Jung-eum. [Newsis]

Actor Hwang Jung-eum is facing a fresh wave of online criticism after sharing footage of herself and her two sons watching a fireworks festival from her home overlooking the Han River.

Hwang posted a video on her social media account Saturday showing the fireworks display held in central Seoul.

The clip showed Hwang and her two sons taking in the dazzling show from her home, which commands an unobstructed view of the Han River and Namsan Tower. As fireworks lit up the night sky, Hwang exclaimed, "Wow, so beautiful," while the children cheered alongside her.

At one point, one of her sons said, "Mom, I want to take a photo," to which Hwang replied, "Hold on, let me keep filming this." When he asked again, she said, "I need to show people. Just a moment."

The home where Hwang watched the fireworks is a detached house in Itaewon, Seoul, which she purchased in 2020 for around 4.6 billion won ($3.38 million). The sweeping view of the Han River fireworks from the property drew considerable attention to what many called a prime fireworks-viewing spot.

While some admired the vantage point, a segment of online users directed sharp criticism at Hwang.

Comments included "Are you just showing off your house?", "Pay your taxes properly," "Be grateful you didn't go to prison," "A suspended sentence is still a guilty verdict," "Don't you think you should show a little more restraint?" and "Do you really need to keep putting this out there?" — many referencing her past embezzlement case.

Hwang was previously indicted on charges of embezzling approximately 4.34 billion won from a family corporation, admitted to the charges, repaid the full amount, and was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for four years.

Since then, she has shared updates on raising her two sons through social media and a personal YouTube channel, but criticism and controversy have followed each time she posts about her daily life. She has previously drawn hostile comments after sharing a post about giving away her children's toys, and has also been caught up in allegations of neglecting her pet dog and unfounded speculation over her choice of clothing.

Hwang married former professional golfer-turned-businessman Lee Young-don in 2016 and had two sons with him before finalizing their divorce last May after a legal battle.


min3654@heraldcorp.com