The imprisonment sentence with a stay of execution for actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Eom Hong-sik), who was tried on charges of habitual drug administration, has been confirmed.
On the 3rd, the 1st division of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice Ma Yong-ju) confirmed the original judgment sentencing Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison, a two-year suspended sentence, and a fine of 2 million won for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), smoking marijuana, and other charges.
Previously, Yoo Ah-in was tried in October 2023 for repeatedly using medical propofol and other substances under the pretense of sleep anesthesia for beauty procedures at hospitals around Seoul 181 times from September 2020 to March 2022.
In the first trial, he was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of 2 million won and was taken into custody; however, the appeals court overturned this, sentencing him to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of 2 million won, allowing him to regain his freedom.
In relation to this, the second trial court stated, "Medical narcotics are strictly regulated by law due to their potential dependency, and the defendant utilized loopholes in management by arbitrarily using the names of family and acquaintances to commit the crime. The nature of the crime is poor and there is significant grounds for condemnation," but judged, "The defendant appears to have committed the crime due to suffering from long-term sleep disorders and depression, leading to an inability to rest properly."
It added, "Currently, the defendant seems to have significantly overcome drug dependency and has pledged not to reoffend," revealing the reasons for reduced sentencing and considering the fact that the defendant has reflected on the crime during more than five months of detention and has no prior record of similar offenses.
Meanwhile, the films "Victory" and "High Five," in which Yoo Ah-in grants, were released in theaters in March and May, respectively.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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