TV personality Lee Soo-geun offered words of comfort to a viewer involved in a drug case.
On the 355th episode of KBS Joy's 'Ask Anything', which aired on the 9th, a 34-year-old delivery worker appeared as a guest seeking advice on how to move forward after serving a three-year prison sentence for being involved in a drug case.
The guest shared that he once ran a café, earning over 20 million won a month, but saw a decline in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite taking out loans to keep the business afloat, the situation did not improve. While searching for additional loans, he came across the term 'high-paying part-time job' in related searches.
He admitted, “I knew it wasn't a legitimate job, but I needed money urgently.” He contacted the number listed in the job ad and was told that the job involved picking up items from a specified location. Although he suspected it wasn't a normal job, he didn't realize it was illegal and accepted the offer. Seo Jang-hoon, another host, pointed out, “If it's not normal, it's illegal,” criticizing the guest's naive judgment.
The pivotal moment came when he traveled from Daegu to a remote field in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, where he was instructed to dig into the ground. Despite feeling uneasy, he followed through, uncovering a package wrapped in insulation tape labeled '60'. It was only then that he learned he was picking up drugs.
He tried to refuse the job upon realizing the situation, but was threatened with being implicated in the crime since he already had the drugs. Fearing for his safety, he attempted to complete the delivery but was arrested by the police.
Before receiving any payment, he was caught with the drugs and detained for a week before being sentenced to three years in prison. Despite having no prior criminal record or drug-related issues, the 60g of drugs he transported was enough to supply approximately 2,000 people, leading to enhanced penalties. The timing coincided with a drug crackdown, and despite submitting mitigating evidence, he couldn't avoid the sentence. Lee Soo-geun expressed his sympathy, saying, “It's unfortunate that you received a three-year sentence despite the circumstances.”
The guest expressed deep regret, saying, “I still regret and reflect on my actions. I wonder if things would have been different if I had reported it immediately.” He advised others not to be tempted by high-paying job ads and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
Lee Soo-geun encouraged him, saying, “Take this as a lesson and work hard moving forward. You seem capable of succeeding in whatever you do.” Seo Jang-hoon also offered support, saying, “A mistake is a mistake, but you're still young. Stay determined and live your best life.” Lee concluded with a message of encouragement, “A single mistake is just that, but repeating it defines you. I'll support you, so make sure my support is worthwhile by striving hard.”
'Ask Anything' airs every Monday at 8 PM on KBS Joy and is available on LG U+tv channel 1, Genie tv channel 41, SK Btv channel 998, and the KBS mobile app 'my K'. Check the KBS N website for local cable channel numbers.
Reporter: Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr