Actor Yoo Ah-in (38), whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, was sentenced to prison following his first trial on charges including habitual drug use.
On Sep 3., the Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court 25, led by Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, sentenced Yoo to one year in prison and fined him 2 million won (about $1,490). Yoo, who had been indicted without detention for violating the Narcotics Control Act, was also ordered to forfeit roughly 1.5 million won and complete an 80-hour drug rehabilitation program. Prosecutors had initially sought a four-year prison term.
In the court’s ruling, it was noted, “Medical narcotics are tightly regulated by law, yet Yoo took advantage of loopholes, underscoring the seriousness of his actions.” The judge further stated, “Considering various factors, it is clear that his dependence on psychoactive substances is substantial, making the likelihood of reoffending hard to ignore.” The court also acknowledged Yoo’s long-standing struggle with depression and noted that his drug use was primarily driven by an inability to sleep due to pain. “His honesty about his drug dependence and his efforts toward recovery were considered in the sentencing,” the judge added.
Wearing a black suit, Yoo addressed the court after his detention, saying, “I apologize for causing so much concern and worry to everyone.”
Yoo was indicted last October without detention for using medical narcotics 181 times under the pretense of receiving sedation for cosmetic procedures at multiple Seoul hospitals between September 2020 and March 2022. He also illegally obtained over 1,100 sleeping pills through 44 prescriptions under a false name from May 2021 to August 2022. Additionally, he faced charges for smoking marijuana with acquaintances, including a man identified as Mr. Choi, 33, in the U.S., and for encouraging others to do the same. However, he was acquitted of some charges, including incitement to smoke marijuana.
Yoo Ah-in, who made his debut in 2004 with the drama “Sharp,” has been a prominent figure in various TV dramas and films. His notable works include “Veteran,” “The Throne,” “Burning,” and the Netflix series “Hellbound” and “Goodbye Earth.” He was initially slated to appear in the second season of “Hellbound,” following the first season’s release in 2021, but withdrew due to the drug charges.