Yoo Ah-in Appeals for Leniency Amid Drug Trial

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

Actor Yoo Ah-in, whose real name is Eom Hong-sik, appealed for leniency during his ongoing drug trial. The seventh trial session took place on the afternoon of the 24th at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Department 25.

At a previous trial, Yoo Ah-in, who admitted to smoking marijuana, claimed that other medical drugs were administered under doctors' professional judgment, stating they were treatments for depression and panic disorder. He denied the use of prescriptions under family members' names, but a doctor, who appeared as a witness, testified that prescriptions under family names were issued at Yoo Ah-in's request.

During the trial, the prosecution requested a four-year prison sentence for Yoo Ah-in, along with fines of 2 million won and 1.5 million won. The prosecution argued that Yoo Ah-in exploited Korea's judicial system by using financial resources to obtain drugs abroad, beyond the reach of local investigative agencies, and by attempting to silence and intimidate witnesses. They stressed the severity of his crimes.

Yoo Ah-in's lawyer appealed for leniency, citing Yoo Ah-in's long-term struggles with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The lawyer explained that Yoo Ah-in's irregular lifestyle, due to his profession, exacerbated these conditions. A doctor testified that hospitalization was recommended due to the severity of Yoo Ah-in's anxiety and insomnia.

The defense argued that Yoo Ah-in underwent various medical procedures while working on films and advertisements, which led to his dependency on sleep anesthesia. They claimed that he never used propofol without a medical procedure and that sleep anesthesia was necessary for stable medical procedures.

Yoo Ah-in expressed deep regret for the incident, acknowledging the harm caused to his fans and those around him. He pledged to continue treatment to prevent recurrence and highlighted his charitable activities and positive influence. "I deeply reflect on my wrongdoings and apologize to my family, colleagues, and fans who were hurt by my actions. I had time to reflect on my life through this incident and vow to become a more responsible and mature person. Regardless of the outcome, I will strive to become healthier and contribute to society," he stated.

Yoo Ah-in's sentencing is scheduled for September 3rd.

Yoo Ah-in is accused of administering various drugs, including 9,635.7 mL of propofol, 567 mg of midazolam, 11.5 mL of ketamine, and 200 mg of remimazolam on 181 occasions in 14 clinics between September 2019 and January 2020. He is also charged with illegally obtaining 1,100 Stilnox and Xanax tablets prescribed in another person's name and purchasing drugs 44 times using six different names, including those of his father and sister.

Additionally, during a trip to the U.S. in January last year with four acquaintances, including Choi, Yoo Ah-in allegedly administered drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. He is accused of forcing his companions to smoke marijuana during a drug investigation and ordering an acquaintance to destroy evidence afterward. Furthermore, Yoo Ah-in allegedly instructed the destruction of evidence by telling his acquaintances to "erase all mobile phone contents" while discussing responses to the investigation after drug allegations surfaced in the media in February.