Yoo Ah-in Requests Leniency in Drug Trial Following Father’s Passing

Yoo Ah-in Appeals for Leniency in Drug Case

On November 19, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 5 convened for the second appeal hearing concerning Yoo Ah-in and his companion Choi, who are facing charges under the Narcotics Control Act. The trial follows the actor’s conviction in a previous court ruling.

Court Appearance and Physical Presentation

During the hearing, Yoo Ah-in was seen in a mint-colored prison uniform, sporting a shaved head and glasses, reflecting the seriousness of the situation he currently faces.

Defensive Arguments Highlighting Mitigating Circumstances

Yoo Ah-in’s lawyer presented several mitigating factors aimed at garnering leniency, including the recent death of the actor’s father. The defense emphasized that Yoo Ah-in, as a public figure, has already endured significant repercussions from the incident compared to an average individual. The attorney noted that this case involved a first-time offender and argued for a reconsideration of the initial sentence.

The Human Impact of Legal Proceedings

In a poignant statement, the lawyer remarked, “Yoo Ah-in dedicated himself to bringing joy and inspiration to the public, often at the expense of his own health. His career as an actor has profoundly suffered, and the consequences he faces are harsher than those an ordinary person would endure.”

Emotional Toll and Guilt

Regarding the impact of his father’s death in August, the lawyer added, “The defendant carries the heavy burden of guilt for believing his actions contributed to his father’s declining health. Such emotional weight serves as a significant punishment.”

Rebuttal of Allegations and Misconceptions

The defense team challenged the prosecution’s assertions that Yoo Ah-in used his wealth to evade law enforcement while using drugs. They acknowledged his misuse of substances but contended that his marijuana use stemmed from a moment of curiosity during overseas travel, rather than an affluent lifestyle.

Furthermore, it was asserted that Yoo Ah-in’s use of propofol was connected to necessary cosmetic procedures related to his acting career. The defense firmly denied allegations of obstruction of justice, pointing out that the initial trial did not find him guilty of any wrongdoing related to evidence destruction.

Drug Usage and Legal Charges

Reports indicate that Yoo Ah-in engaged in the administration of significant quantities of various substances, totaling 9,635.7 mL of propofol, 567 mg of midazolam, 11.5 mL of ketamine, and 200 mg of remimazolam over 181 separate instances at 14 different clinics. Additionally, he faces charges related to the illegal purchase of over 1,100 pills of the sleeping aids Stilnox and Xanax, utilizing the identities of family members on multiple occasions.

Conclusion

The developments in Yoo Ah-in’s case underscore the complexities of navigating legal, personal, and societal repercussions in instances involving narcotic charges, illustrating a broader conversation about accountability and the human aspects entwined within the judicial process.

Source: Daum

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