Prosecutors ask for four-year sentence for Yoo Ah-in on drug charges

Social Affairs

Published: 24 Jul. 2024, 17:35 Updated: 24 Jul. 2024, 19:37

Prosecutors ask for four-year sentence for Yoo Ah-in on drug charges

Actor Yoo Ah-in attends his final trial for drug charges at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Prosecutors sought a four-year prison sentence for actor Yoo Ah-in on charges of chronic drug use.

The prosecution also requested a fine of 2 million won ($1,400) and forfeiture of 1.54 million won during a final trial held Wednesday at the Seoul Central District Court on charges involving using illegal drugs, inviting someone to smoke marijuana with him and tampering with evidence.

"I deeply regret my wrongdoings related to this incident," Yoo said in his final statement.

"This incident has given me time to reflect on my entire life," Yoo continued. "I pledge to live as a more responsible and mature person. Regardless of the outcome, I will strive to contribute positively to society healthily and honestly."

Yoo, 38, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, is accused of habitually taking medical propofol under the guise of having cosmetic procedures on 181 occasions at clinics around Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022. The medical narcotics he used included propofol, midazolam, ketamine and remimazolam.

In addition, from May 2021 to August 2022, Yoo allegedly obtained around 1,100 tablets of two types of sleeping pills illegally using another person's name.

In January 2023, Yoo, along with four accomplices, was accused of smoking marijuana in the United States and encouraging others to do so.

Prosecutors had previously sought arrest warrants for Yoo twice, in May and September of last year. Both requests were denied by the court, leading to Yoo being tried without detention.

Yoo debuted in 2003 in a TV commercial and is best known for his roles in the coming-of-age film "Punch" (2011), action blockbuster "Veteran" (2015) and Netflix series "Hellbound" (2021).

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]