Depending on where you live, marijuana use can be legal or likely to land you in prison. In South Korea, the latter is more likely to happen.
A prison sentence may face actress-comedian Song In Hwa, who has been charged with marijuana use. The actress, who appeared in "Miss Panda and Mr. Hedgehog," before deciding to become a comedian, has been booked without detention by the Incheon police.
The police have been investigating this case for two months after a test of her hair follicles came out positive for marijuana residue. She has admitted to smoking marijuana with her older sister, who is now also being investigated. Song In Hwa admitted that she first smoked it in the U.S. and then brought it back to Korea.
Marijuana in all form is illegal in Korea and partaking can lead to a maximum five-year prison sentence or a fine of about $40,000. And a person does not even have to have the drug in their possession.
The Korean Drug Enforcement Agency has been known to visit clubs for on-the-spot urine or hair tests. Once the person tests positive, the police can look up the numbers on their cell phones and also bring their friends and acquaintances in for drug testing. Living in America where the drug laws are more lenient may not protect you, as even Korean-Americans who have homes in the U.S. are not immune to prosecution.
However, celebrities may not always be treated so harshly, if they are publicly repentant. Last year, G-dragon, the leader of the band BigBang, was questioned on charges of smoking marijuana in Japan. His hair test came back positive. He claimed that he tried a small amount, not realizing what it was. Since it was a small amount and he was publicly remorseful, the prosecution chose not to indict him.
Earlier this year, television personality Bianca Mobley of "Chit Chat With Beautiful Ladies," was indicted for smoking marijuana but not detained. She failed to show up for her court dates and returned to the U.S. Despite being a U.S. citizen, she was liable for prosecution. After she missed her court dates, a warrant was issued for her arrest and Interpol was called in to help find her. She was one of 16 people arrested.
Also among those arrested was Korean-American singer Daniel Chae of the band DMTN, formerly known as Dalmatian. He was indicted for both marijuana possession and distribution. He did show up for his court dates but his hearings have been delayed.
There is no word when Song In Hwa will have to appear in court.
