Police "plan to further investigate whether Yoo Ah-in used cocaine"

The police plan to conduct an additional investigation into actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Uhm Hong-sik), who is suspected of drug use.

On the 3rd, an official from the National Police Agency said at a press conference that day, "We have been informed that Yoo Ah-in's case requires further investigation," and "an in-depth investigation is underway into whether or not he used cocaine."

An official added, "Some have pointed out that it is difficult to punish if the time and method of cocaine administration are not specified, but it is only a Supreme Court precedent in a specific situation. We will do our best to prove the charges." However, the timing of further investigation is not yet known.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety requested the police to investigate, saying that Yoo Ah-in administered 4,497 mL of propofol 73 times from January 4, 2021 to December 23, 2021. On February 5, the police executed a search and seizure warrant for Yoo Ah-in's body at Incheon International Airport and conducted a quick urine test. As a result of the National Institute of Forensic Science analysis, three types of narcotic substances were detected in Yoo Ah-in's hair.

Propofol, which was suspected of habitual use, as well as marijuana, which tested positive in urine, and another third drug were detected. The third drug ingredients were cocaine and ketamine. Cocaine is highly addictive and hallucinogenic, so it is called one of the three major drugs along with methamphetamine and heroin. In addition, it was confirmed that medical staff were concerned about the frequent administration of propofol in several hospitals.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Drug Crime Investigation Unit sent investigators to two locations to conduct search and seizure: Yoo Ah-in's home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where he actually resides, and his home in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, which is his address on his resident registration. Additionally, the manager and acquaintances who were with Yoo Ah-in at the airport when he entered the country were summoned for questioning as witnesses. Originally, Yoo Ah-in was scheduled to appear at the police for questioning on March 24th, but the schedule for his appearance was revealed to the media, so he requested a postponement.

After receiving a 12-hour investigation on the 27th of last month, Yoo Ah-in said, "I told you all the facts that I could reveal during the investigation. I deeply reflect on the fact that I am standing in this position due to an unpleasant incident and have caused great disappointment to many people who have loved me." He said, "Because the investigation is not yet over, I am cautious about sharing the details directly. Personally, I think I was mired in the wrong swamp of self-rationalization by claiming that my deviant actions did not harm anyone."

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr