Yoo Ah-in Apologizes in Final Court Statement

Actor Yoo Ah-in, who faces charges related to drug use, has expressed his mental health struggles and remorse as he makes his final arguments in court. On the afternoon of July 24, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Agreement Department 25, led by Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, held the concluding trial for Yoo Ah-in, who is accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act. The charges include drug use, the illegal distribution of marijuana, and evidence tampering.

During the trial, the prosecution recommended a four-year prison sentence for Yoo Ah-in, along with a fine of 2 million won and an additional fine of 1.54 million won. They also sought a four-year prison term for Yoo Ah-in's friend, artist Choi, on similar charges, including drug-related offenses and evidence destruction.

Yoo Ah-in is alleged to have used drugs such as propofol (9635.7 mL), midazolam (567 mg), ketamine (11.5 mL), and remimazolam (200 mg) on 181 occasions at 14 different clinics between September 2020 and January 2023. Additional accusations include illegally purchasing 1,100 Stilnox and Xanax tablets under false pretenses and acquiring drugs multiple times using the names of others, including his father and sister.

The prosecution also alleges that during a trip to the U.S. in January last year with Choi and other acquaintances, Yoo Ah-in used cocaine and marijuana and pressured his group to use marijuana as well. After the investigation started, Yoo Ah-in allegedly instructed his associates to destroy evidence and erase all mobile phone content.

Throughout the trial, Yoo Ah-in has admitted to using marijuana but denies the charges of distributing marijuana and tampering with evidence. In his final arguments, Yoo Ah-in’s lawyer acknowledged some of the charges related to marijuana and propofol use but contested others.

In the final trial, the prosecution outlined their case for a four-year prison term for Yoo Ah-in, presenting a range of evidence to support their demand. This evidence included details from the integrated drug management system, records of prescriptions and drug purchases made under other people's names, as well as evidence of marijuana possession and use. Additionally, positive test results for four different types of drugs were introduced.

The prosecution argued that Yoo Ah-in had repeatedly procured illegal medical drugs by spending approximately 500 million won, exploiting his financial and professional status as a well-known entertainer to deceive doctors. They also accused him of using a network to obtain drugs abroad and acquiring them illegally in Korea under the names of others.

Furthermore, the prosecution criticized Yoo Ah-in and his acquaintance Choi for attempting to cover up their crimes using their social influence. They argued that Yoo Ah-in's actions showed a blatant disregard for social responsibility, claiming that he tried to silence his associates through his influence, fled abroad to evade justice, and undermined the Korean judicial system.

Despite the prosecution's request for a severe sentence, Yoo Ah-in's lawyer admitted only to some of the charges related to marijuana use and the administration of propofol. Yoo Ah-in addressed the court, explaining that he has long struggled with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. He attributed his worsening sleep disorders to his demanding professional schedule, which involved continuous filming and advertising commitments without breaks. This led to severe sleep disturbances, where he could only find relief through medical procedures involving sleep anesthetics, resulting in dependence on these substances.

Yoo Ah-in assured the court that he is committed to preventing any recurrence of his dependence on sleep anesthetics and plans to pursue medical treatment to address this issue. He expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging the significant impact on his career and the disappointment caused to his supporters.

In his statement, Yoo Ah-in reflected on the social controversy his actions have stirred and expressed a strong desire to make amends. He emphasized that he has no prior criminal record and is committed to avoiding similar mistakes in the future. Yoo Ah-in requested leniency, hoping to return to society and fulfill his responsibilities positively.