Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, renowned for his compelling performances in numerous films and dramas, was sentenced to one year in prison on Tuesday reportedly for “habitual drug abuse.” Additionally, the court imposed a fine of 2 million won (approximately Rs 1.25 lakh) and ordered his immediate detention. The 38-year-old actor, whose real name is Um Hong-sik, was charged with alleged drug use and evidence tampering, in violation of Korea’s Narcotics Control Act. The charges included abusing propofol, a prescription sedative, 181 times under the pretence of cosmetic procedures at Seoul hospitals between September 2020 and March 2022.
He was also found guilty of illegally purchasing over 1,100 sleeping pills using another person’s identity and smoking marijuana in the United States with four others, including his acquaintance Choi, who received an eight-month suspended sentence, reports The Korea Times.
In addition to drug-related offences, Yoo Ah-in also faced allegations of intimidating and instructing an accomplice to destroy evidence, including advising a YouTuber, surnamed Yang, to flee Korea and change his testimony.
Despite repeated attempts by the police and prosecution to secure an arrest warrant, the court had previously rejected these requests, informs The Korea Times.
During a court hearing, Yoo expressed deep remorse and vowed to become a “healthier, more honest person” who contributes to society. “Regardless of the outcome, I will repay those who have supported me by becoming healthier and more honest and by living a life that contributes positively to society,” Yoo Ah-in was reported as saying during his final statement to the court in July.
Yoo Ah-in made his debut in 2003 in a TV commercial and gained widespread recognition through the teen series Sharp. After a brief hiatus, he returned with acclaimed performances in independent films and mainstream cinema. His notable works include The Throne, for which he won Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and his role in Netflix’s Hellbound.
In 2016, Yoo Ah-in was ranked second on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list, making him one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
He went on to win Best Actor at both the 36th and 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards for his standout performances in The Throne and Voice of Silence (2020). His portrayal of the enigmatic pseudo-religious leader Jin-soo in Netflix’s hit series Hellbound (2021) further brought him international fame and widespread acclaim.
Comments
0 comment