'Hellbound' actor Yoo Ah-in jailed one year in prison for illegal drug consumption

South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in attended the first trial sentencing on September 3 after being indicted on charges of habitual drug usage. Yoo has been sentenced to 1 year in prison with an additional fine of 2 million KRW on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. Notably, the prosecution had requested four months of imprisonment for the actor.

The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, led by Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, has sentenced Yoo Ah to one year in prison and a 2 million KRW fine. The actor was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, smoking marijuana, and instigating the destruction of evidence.

"He is deemed guilty of all his purchases for habitual drug use," the court stated in its ruling, according to Yonhap News TV. The court said Yoo had committed the offences "disregarding relevant regulations" and displayed a "lack of caution against drug substances".

The 'Hellbound' actor's acquaintance Mr. Choi (33), who was brought on trial for smoking marijuana with the actor was sentenced to 8 months in prison and 2 years of probation. A doctor who administered propofol to Yoo without a proper prescription was fined 40 million won ($30,000) last month.

Yoo, who rose to stardom following his debut in 2003, has apologised for his actions. "I am sorry for having caused concern to many people," He was quoted as saying in court by Yonhap.

Many K-pop stars have found themselves in drug controversies in recent times. The K-pop star G-Dragon faced allegations of drug use and was questioned by police, but the case was dropped in November due to insufficient evidence. Last year, actor Lee Sun Kyun died by suicide after his name appeared in a drug scandal.

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