South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, was recently found guilty of illegal use of the anaesthetic drug propofol and has been sentenced to a one-year jail term. The actor was accused of using propofol on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022 at professional clinics, disguising the drug use as cosmetic procedures. The prosecution had requested a four-year sentence, but the Seoul Central District Court handed down a one-year sentence to the 37-year-old actor.
The court stated that Yoo was guilty of habitual drug use and had shown a lack of caution against drug substances. The actor’s offenses were committed in disregard of relevant regulations, leading to the sentencing. Propofol, which is primarily used as a surgical anaesthetic, is sometimes abused recreationally. In the past, it has been associated with incidents of overdoses, such as in the case of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.
The sentencing of Yoo Ah-in comes amidst a series of drug scandals in South Korea involving high-profile personalities. K-pop star G-Dragon faced allegations of drug use but was cleared due to insufficient evidence. Actor Lee Sun-kyun tragically took his own life following accusations of illegal substance use, prompting public outrage over the police’s actions. Lee Jae-yong, the former vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, was also convicted in 2021 of illegally using propofol and was fined 70 million won.
Yoo Ah-in expressed remorse in court for causing concern to many people due to his actions. The actor rose to fame in South Korea following his debut in 2003 and has since starred in various television dramas and films across different genres. The trial of Yoo Ah-in is the latest in a string of incidents involving drug use by prominent individuals in South Korea, highlighting the issue of substance abuse in the country. The prevalence of drug scandals in the entertainment industry underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents from recurring.
