On the morning of the 12th, Yoo Ah-in's agency, UAA, expressed regret to the media outlets, citing two separate articles from the two media outlets that were reported on the 11th, the day before.
UAA is 'Yoo Ah-in, model and broadcaster, clubbing in Itaewon every week... Regarding the article 'Suspicion of Drugs', he said, "It was written solely based on the informant's eyewitness account. I would like to ask how the informant's claims were verified," and added, "We plan to take legal action."
Next, ‘Yoo Ah-in overdosed on zolpidem… Regarding the article titled 'Fifth drug,' he said, "We are seriously concerned about the reality that allegations that have not even been confirmed are spreading as if they are confirmed facts." He added, "There is a serious level of fake news that is unrelated to the police investigation and unconfirmed and indiscriminate 'drugs.' “We will take active action against the news reports, including legal action,” he said.
Yoo Ah-in is under police investigation on suspicion of using drugs such as propofol, marijuana, cocaine, and ketamine. He was investigated for 12 hours on the 27th of last month, and is awaiting a second summons investigation.Below is the full statement from Yoo Ah-in's agency, UAA.This is UAA.
First of all, we apologize for any inconvenience caused by an unpleasant matter regarding actor Yoo Ah-in.
So far, Mr. Yoo Ah-in and his agency have refrained from commenting on the details of the investigation or responding to it while the police investigation is ongoing. As stated by Yoo Ah-in in his previous statement, there is no change in his position that he will faithfully participate in the related investigation and accept all punishments.
However, we would like to correct the facts regarding situations in which unconcluded investigation details, which are subject to the principle of non-disclosure, are disclosed to the media for unknown reasons, and news of unconfirmed content continues to be disseminated and spread.
On April 11th, there were two independent reports related to Yoo Ah-in.
* Kookmin Ilbo report on April 11 [Exclusive] “Yoo Ah-in, a model and broadcaster, go to an Itaewon club every week… “Suspicion of drugs”
* Yonhap News TV report on April 11 [Exclusive] Yoo Ah-in overdoses on ‘zolpidem’… Fifth ‘drugs’
First, I would like to talk about the exclusive article in Kookmin Ilbo.
The article was written solely based on the eyewitness account of informant A. Additionally, the sightings were reported based solely on speculation without any factual confirmation. The report has already spread through other media outlets with provocative headlines such as 'shock' and 'exposure', and it has become like seeing drugs in a club every week.
Kookmin Ilbo reported informant A's claims as unconfirmed 'suspicions', such as "I didn't order much alcohol, but many people responded that it was strange because I was excessively drunk," and "I smoked in a corner seat, but it smelled different from a normal cigarette." It was used as a basis.
I would like to ask how Kookmin Ilbo verified Mr. A's claim. The lounge clubs we checked did not allow smoking in indoor areas and had separate open smoking areas. We express great regret that large media outlets such as Kookmin Ilbo reported this without verifying the facts, as the information was based on someone's speculation.
Accordingly, we plan to take legal action regarding Kookmin Ilbo's report.
The following is about Yonhap News TV's report on 'Zolpidem'.
It is true that Mr. Yoo Ah-in has been taking sleeping pills for a long time due to sleep disorder. I have taken sleeping pills containing this ingredient in the past. However, for the past 6 months, I have replaced it with a sleeping pill with a different ingredient, and have never used it for purposes other than sleep. The truth will be revealed in a police investigation.
Separately from this, related investigation details, which are confidential in principle, are continuously being disclosed to the media. As a result, we express serious concern about the reality that allegations that have not even been confirmed are spreading as if they were confirmed facts.
There are some areas where clearer facts need to be provided regarding other charges against Mr. Yoo Ah-in, but in the current situation where the police investigation continues, I think this is disrespectful to the investigative agency.
However, we will take active action, including legal action, against serious fake news and unconfirmed, reckless reporting that is unrelated to the police investigation.
Please understand.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr