Media outlets bring Don Spike's previous drug convictions to light

Composer and producer Don Spike, whose real name is Kim Min-soo, enters the Seoul North District Court in northern Seoul on Wednesday for a warrant review requested by the police. [NEWS1]

Composer and producer Don Spike was previously convicted of drug use, according to JTBC and other local media reports on Thursday.

Don Spike, 45, whose legal name is Kim Min-soo, was arrested without a warrant on Monday evening at a hotel in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Police confiscated 30 grams of methamphetamines from the scene. Kim tested positive on a simple drug test that was conducted around the time of his arrest.

When the media asked the period to which Kim began taking drugs as he entered the Seoul North District Court in northern Seoul on Wednesday for a warrant review, he replied that it was “recent.”

Kim is said to be involved with a group of people who book large suites at different hotels in Gangnam to use drugs. Kim became known to police after a drug suspect who was being investigated by police gave a statement naming him.

Kim debuted as a piano player for male duo Position. He has composed songs such as Exo's "Miracles in December" (2013), Super Junior's "Islands" (2014) and Lee Seung-hwan's "I Feel On You" (2014). He was a music director at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Kim became a popular entertainer after appearing on various reality programs in recent years, showcasing his love for eating meat and displaying his unique grilling technique. He opened a barbeque restaurant which has seen success. He tied the knot with a makeup artist in June.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]