Is Yoo Ah-in's Career on the Line? Drug Trial Heats Up
Seoul, June 18, 2024 - Yoo Ah-in, a prominent South Korean actor, made a solemn appearance today at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25-1 for his 6th trial on charges related to violating the Narcotics Control Act.
This court session follows closely on the heels of the 5th trial held just last month.
During the 5th trial of actor #YooAhIn for drug-related charges, two doctors testified that he complained of depression and thoughts of death.
— K-Drama Handle (@kdramahandle) May 14, 2024
“Mr. Yoo Ah-in said he had thoughts of death”
The doctor mentioned prescribing anxiety control medication due to his symptoms of… pic.twitter.com/xp93qWxps6
At precisely 2 p.m., Yoo Ah-in arrived at the court donning a black long-sleeved suit, despite the sweltering summer temperatures, and proceeded inside without addressing the press or making any public statement.
The doctor appeared as a witness to undergo questioning regarding the actor's medical history and treatment, shedding light on crucial aspects of the case.
Yoo Ah-in faces serious accusations, including the administration of propofol on 181 occasions between September 2020 and March last year, and obtaining illegal prescriptions for 1100 sleeping pills under false identities from May 2021 to August last year.
Furthermore, the actor stands accused of involvement in marijuana use in the United States alongside four acquaintances, allegedly instructing a witness to partake in drug consumption.
Reports state that the SMPA have sought a pre-trial detention warrant for Yoo Ah-in: ‘in consideration of the seriousness of Yoo's case, the risk of flight and his continued denial of drug use.’
He is entitled to assert his innocence, yet it’s deemed a reason to seek arrest https://t.co/qdR6byGfNr pic.twitter.com/IadUBVKuvs— Pratchetteer 🎋 (@manonaswann) May 19, 2023
While prosecutors assert that Yoo Ah-in utilized over seven types of drugs, the actor vehemently denies most allegations, admitting only to smoking marijuana and using propofol.
"Some parts have been exaggerated and differ from the truth."
-Yoo Ah-in
During the 5th trial in May, Doctor Oh, who prescribed medications to Yoo Ah-in, testified, indicating that the prescriptions were based on the actor's anxiety symptoms and his expressed thoughts of self-harm.
The ongoing legal saga surrounding Yoo Ah-in has captivated public attention, casting a spotlight on issues of drug use and prescription medication regulations in South Korea.
KdramaStars owns this article.
Written by Joan Cabigas.
