South Korea’s high-profile actor Yoo Ah In sentenced to one year in prison for drug charges
The actor was immediately taken into custody following the sentencing.
Popular South Korean actor Yoo Ah In was sentenced to one year in prison for drug charges on Tuesday.
According to the Korean media reports, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, presided over by Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, sentenced South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison and a fine of 2 million KRW (approximately USD 1,500) for violating the Narcotics Control Act (related to psychotropic drugs) and other charges.
The actor was immediately taken into custody following the sentencing.
Yoo Ah-in faced charges for administering medical propofol 181 times from September 2020 to March 2022. Additionally, he was accused of illegally acquiring over 1,100 sleeping pills under another person’s name 44 times between May 2021 and August 2022. He also faced allegations of smoking marijuana with Mr. Choi and three other associates, directing others to smoke, and attempting to destroy evidence.
According to the media reports, Yoo Ah In was revealed to have been habitually using propofol since early 2021.
On February 10, reports emerged the actor had tested positive for marijuana while tested negative for propofol, which leaves your system within 4 days.
In the final trial on July 24th, the prosecution requested a four-year prison sentence, a fine of 2 million KRW, and the forfeiture of 1.54 million KRW for Yoo Ah-in.
They argued, “As a prominent actor, Yoo Ah-in has wielded significant influence in the film industry and made notable statements on social issues. He had a responsibility to society but chose to use his influence to conceal his crimes, which represents a grave breach of trust.”
Yoo, 37, had completed shooting for his main role in Goodbye Earth in 2022. He was set to appear in Netflix’s Hellboud 2, but following his arrest his showbiz career seems to be almost over.
In 2016, Yoo Ah-in was ranked second on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Yoo Ah-in began his career in 2003 with a TV commercial and gained widespread recognition through the teen series Sharp.
After a short break, he made a comeback with acclaimed performances in both 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.
His portrayal of the enigmatic pseudo-religious leader Jin-soo in Netflix’s hit series Hellbound (2021) further earned him international recognition and widespread acclaim.
He later won Best Actor at both the 36th and 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards for his remarkable performances in The Throne and Voice of Silence (2020).
