South Korean Actor Yoo Ah In was just sentenced to one year in prison. This is after his first trial after being prosecuted for his habitual use of marijuana and propofol.
As soon as Ah In's sentence was announced, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office appealed for a longer period of imprisonment for the actor. According to a report by Seoul Economic Daily, Ah In's crimes were deemed severe by the prosecutor's office, as there were also efforts to avoid proper investigation by destroying evidence. The prosecution had initially requested to sentence the actor to four years in prison.
Seoul Economic Daily also reported earlier that Ah In was investigated for habitually using drugs, specifically propofol for a total of 181 instances. He was also reported to have obtained and distributed sleeping pills for over 40 instances. The actor was also reported to have used marijuana. All these acts violated South Korea's Narcotics Control Act. His one-year imprisonment comes with a 2 million KRW (P84,380) fine.
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Yoo Ah In's apology letter
Even though Ah In's first sentence was only determined this September 2024, the actor has been under investigation since February 2023. It was in November 2022 when the actor was first mentioned to have been included in individuals suspected of propofol misuse.
Come February 2023, a police investigation on Ah In was sequentially initiated. On March 27, the actor posted a personal apology to the public, shedding light on his drug use case. "I would like to apologize once again for disappointing many people who have loved and cherished me with this shameful incident. I am sorry," he began in his post.
The actor also expressed his apologies to all the film and drama teams, and brands he has worked with. Ah In said, "I deeply reflect on the moments when I have been irresponsible for my heavy responsibilities, and I apologize for causing damage to the my many colleagues and staff who worked to achieve their own precious dreams and goals. I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities."
Toward the end of his letter, Ah In affirmed his full cooperation in the investigation of his drug case. "During the insufficient time of reflection after the incident surfaced, I recognized clearly that my mistake is a mistake that cannot be covered by any excuse. My self-justification was a fallacy that could never cover up my foolish choices. I will diligently participate in the upcoming investigation and will gladly accept all of your criticisms and punishment by the law."
Ah In is best known for his K-drama, Chicago Typewriter. He also starred as one of the leads in the popular series Hellbound and Goodbye Earth.
