Yoo Ah-in Apologizes for Causing Concern After Receiving 1-Year Prison Sentence for Drug Charges

On September 3 in the afternoon, Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25 sentenced Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison and a fine of 2 million won for breaking the Narcotics Control Act by possessing psychotropic substances. Additionally, he was required to attend 80 hours of drug rehabilitation education and pay a further 1.5 million won as a fine. Yoo Ah-in’s partner, Choi, was given a sentence of eight months in prison with a two-year suspended sentence and was also ordered to complete 40 hours of drug rehabilitation education.

The court declared that due to the length, frequency, manner, and amount of the offenses, a severe penalty is necessary. The defendant took advantage of loopholes in the regulations for medical narcotics and committed these crimes, which is highly deplorable. Taking into account the circumstances, it is evident that the defendant has a significant addiction to psychotropic drugs, leading to the belief that the risk of reoffending is not low.

Despite being warned as early as 2021 by medical professionals about the dangers of excessive propofol use, the defendant continued to commit these crimes, as noted by the court. However, the court also considered Yoo Ah-in’s admission of his drug dependency, his active attempts to address it, his lack of prior similar offenses, and his clean criminal record. Additionally, the defendant’s dependence on sedatives, sleeping pills, and marijuana suggests a lack of awareness for the severity of drug-related issues and a disregard for relevant regulations.

The court was worried about the potential for Yoo Ah-in to flee, so they made the decision to arrest him during the court proceedings. Upon entering the court, Yoo Ah-in chose not to respond to questions from reporters and instead bowed his head after the sentencing, offering an apology for any concern or worry he may have caused.

Yoo Ah-in faced allegations of utilizing medical propofol on 181 separate occasions from September 2020 to March 2022. He was also charged with unlawfully obtaining over 1,100 sleeping pills under a different person’s name 44 times between May 2021 and August 2022. Furthermore, he was accused of smoking marijuana with four individuals, promoting the use of marijuana to others, and attempting to tamper with evidence.

At the final hearing on July 24, the prosecution urged for a four-year imprisonment, a 2 million won fine, and an additional 1.54 million won fine to be imposed on Yoo Ah-in. They denounced Yoo Ah-in for exploiting his status as a renowned actor and public figure to engage in illegal activities, stating, “Despite having a social responsibility, Yoo Ah-in chose to use his influence to conceal his wrongdoings, which is a deplorable act.”

Despite admitting to the drug use charges, Yoo Ah-in strongly denied the accusations of inciting others to use marijuana and attempting to conceal evidence. His attorney argued that Yoo Ah-in’s use of propofol and other drugs was justified for medical purposes, citing his struggles with depression, anxiety, and severe sleep disorders caused by his unpredictable life as an actor. The lawyer also emphasized Yoo Ah-in’s remorse and dedication to seeking continued psychiatric help.

In his closing remarks, Yoo Ah-in conveyed profound regret, stating, “I deeply repent for my errors and extend my sincerest apologies to the loved ones, peers, and supporters who have been harmed and impacted by my actions. I pledge to live as a more mature and accountable individual.”

Additionally, Yoo Ah-in acknowledged that the situation had provided him with an opportunity for self-reflection and he made a promise to make positive contributions to society moving forward.

Despite recent police investigations on charges of Yoo Ah-in sexually assaulting a man while he was asleep in an officetel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, his lawyer has denied the allegations, asserting that they hold no truth.

The source of the information can be found on Naver at https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0005149250.