Actor Yoo Ah-in tests positive for marijuana

Actor Yoo Ah-in [YONHAP]

Actor Yoo Ah-in, who is currently under investigation for allegedly abusing the anesthetic medication propofol, tested positive for marijuana.

Local news outlet Hankook Ilbo reported Friday afternoon that the actor’s urine test, conducted by the National Forensic Service, came back positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a primary constituent of cannabis. He tested negative for propofol.

The police are now investigating his marijuana use. Marijuana is illegal in Korea and for first-time offenders can be sentenced to up to five years in prison or 50,000,000 won ($39,600) in fines.

Korean police officials announced Thursday that Yoo, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, is under investigation for illegal use of propofol. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's drug investigation unit called in Yoo on Monday to question him about use of propofol for non-medical purposes, which constitutes a violation of the Narcotics Control Act, officials said.

Police sent Yoo's hair samples to the National Forensic Service to secure evidence and enforce an overseas travel ban on him. The results from his hair sample are estimated to take around 10 more days.

"[Yoo] has been actively cooperating with the police investigation and plans to address problematic issues," his agency United Arts Agency said.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]