High-profile South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in has been sentenced to one year in jail for the illegal use of the anesthetic drug propofol. The actor, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, was found guilty of using the drug on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022 under the guise of undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Key Takeaways
- Yoo Ah-in, a prominent South Korean actor, was sentenced to one year in jail for illegal drug use.
- He was found guilty of using propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022.
- The prosecution had sought a four-year sentence, but the court handed down a one-year term.
- A doctor involved in administering the drug was fined 40 million won.
- Propofol is primarily used as a surgical anesthetic but is sometimes abused recreationally.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
The Seoul Central District Court found Yoo guilty of all charges related to his habitual drug use. The court stated that Yoo had committed the offenses "in disregard of relevant regulations" and displayed a "lack of caution against drug substances." The prosecution had initially sought a four-year sentence for the actor, but the court ultimately decided on a one-year jail term.
Details of the Case
Yoo Ah-in was accused of using propofol on 181 occasions over a two-year period. The drugs were administered at professional clinics, ostensibly for cosmetic procedures. A doctor who provided the drug without a proper prescription was fined 40 million won ($30,000).
Propofol Abuse
Propofol is primarily used as a surgical anesthetic but has been abused recreationally. The drug gained notoriety when an overdose was cited as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. In South Korea, the drug has been at the center of several high-profile cases involving celebrities and business executives.
Yoo Ah-in’s Career
Yoo Ah-in rose to stardom following his debut in 2003. He has starred in a range of television dramas and films across various genres, becoming one of South Korea’s most recognizable actors. Despite his successful career, this trial marks a significant setback for the actor.
Other High-Profile Cases
This trial is the latest in a series of drug scandals involving South Korean celebrities. In a similar incident, K-pop star G-Dragon faced allegations of drug use but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. Actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," took his own life after being accused of illegal substance use. Lee Jae-yong, then vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, was convicted in 2021 of illegally using propofol and was fined 70 million won.
Public Reaction
The case has sparked public outrage and concern over the abuse of medical substances by high-profile individuals. Yoo Ah-in expressed remorse in court, saying, "I am sorry for having caused concern to many people."
Conclusion
Yoo Ah-in’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal and social consequences of drug abuse, even for high-profile individuals. The case has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the administration of medical substances.
