As Yoo Ah In ended his second trial regarding the drug charges against him, his legal counsel shared the actor's unexpected health status.
The award-winning actor, whose popularity rose because of several hit movies and K-dramas like "#Alive," "Chicago Typewriter," and more, continues to face an ongoing probe regarding suspicions of habitual use of illegal drugs.
Yoo Ah In Concludes Second Trial in 30 Minutes
On January 23, the 37-year-old star arrived at Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Agreement Division 25-1 for his second trial in front of a panel of judges, including Chief Judges Park Jeong Gil, Park Jeong Je, and Ji Gwi Yeon.
Following a series of delays, the court officially started the hearing at around 10 a.m. and wrapped up the trial after 30 minutes, a surprising duration as compared to his first trial, which ended with a 12-hour period.
In addition to this, Yoo Ah In also arrived in the Seoul Central District with a new hairstyle and chose not to disclose an update or do a brief interview with the media.
Although the actor abstained from the interviews, his legal counsel provided the media with an update regarding the case.
Yoo Ah In's Lawyers Revealed Actor's Claim in Court
In a report cited by Korea JoongAng Daily, Yoo Ah In's legal camp stated that the actor acquired the drugs for medical purposes.
Charged with accusations of habitual use of illegal drugs, tampering with evidence, and inviting someone to smoke marijuana with him, the lawyers pointed out that Yoo Ah In is dealing with depression and other health issues due to his celebrity life.
"Living the life of a celebrity and being in the public eye, Yoo has been suffering from depression, panic disorder, and sleeping disorders for a long time."
In addition to this, the actor's lawyers said that Yoo Ah In "deeply regrets his actions."
"Yoo went through various medical procedures, which resulted in a high dependency on sleep-inducing anesthesia. The actor owns up to the fact that he used drugs during the medical procedure."
On the other hand, as for the said anesthesia that the actor administered, lawyers pointed out that it "was prescribed along with the procedures" and was "never prescribed" alone by doctors.
"The type of anesthesia to be used was selected under professional supervision by the doctor."
Amid this, the award-winning star deeply apologize for "disappointing and hurting" his fans, especially "those who have stayed by his side in support."
Since February 2023, Yoo Ah In has been dealing with the drug controversy after there were suspicions that he was violating the Narcotics Control Act with propofol.
During the legal process, he was banned from leaving South Korea.
Moreover, the scandal also affected his upcoming projects, including the soon-to-be released Netflix series "Goodbye Earth" and "Hellbound."
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Written by Geca Wills