K-pop star G-Dragon under investigation for illegal drug use

Social Affairs

K-pop star G-Dragon under investigation for illegal drug use

Published: 25 Oct. 2023, 20:28 Updated: 21 Dec. 2023, 13:52

LIM JEONG-WON
lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr

Singer G-Dragon [NEWS1]

The police have opened an official investigation into K-pop star G-Dragon concerning illegal drug use.

According to the Incheon Police Agency on Wednesday, the investigation into the Big Bang member is separate to the police's recent investigation into actor Lee Sun-kyun, who became globally renowned after playing a key role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” (2019).

The police officially opened a case against the actor on Monday.

[WHY] Drug-free Korea no more: Why the rise in drug crimes?

Lee is suspected of using marijuana and psychoactive drugs at a nightclub in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

Lee has filed a lawsuit against the nightclub’s manager, who had blackmailed him and extorted him for 350 million won ($259,000), according to the actor’s lawyers.

The investigation into Lee had expanded to at least eight additional people suspected of using drugs including TV personality and composer Jung Da-eun.

G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, was previously questioned for marijuana use in 2011 by the Korean prosecution but his indictment was suspended at the time after he confessed to inhaling the substances unintentionally.

G-Dragon debuted as a member of the boy band Big Bang in 2006, a five-member group under YG Entertainment. The boy band saw sensational success throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.

To find out more about G-Dragon, visitCeleb Confirmed

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]