What is propofol? Why are top stars Yoo Ah-in, Ha Jung-woo, and Ga-in addicted?

Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Eom Hong-sik, 36) was investigated by the police on the 6th on suspicion of propofol. Prior to this, actors Ha Jung-woo, Park Si-yeon, Lee Seung-yeon, Jang Mi-in-ae, and singers Ga-in and Wheesung attracted public attention due to the propofol issue.

On the 8th, Yoo Ah-in's agency, UAA, said, "Ah-in Yoo was recently investigated by the police in relation to propofol. We are actively cooperating with all investigations related to this and plan to actively explain any problematic aspects."

According to TV Chosun's 'News 9' on this day, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency summoned Yoo Ah-in for questioning on the 6th on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act. The police discovered that Yoo Ah-in had been regularly administering propofol while visiting multiple hospitals. Yoo Ah-in's body hair has been requested to be analyzed by the National Institute of Forensic Science in order to check whether he has been habitually taking propofol. It may take as little as 1 week or as long as 2 weeks to obtain the results of the appraisal.

Many people are deeply concerned that the evil spirit of propofol has once again attacked the film industry. Previously, Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon) admitted to the charge of habitually administering propofol 19 times from January to September 2019 and was fined 30 million won.

In addition, Park Si-yeon, Lee Seung-yeon, and Jang In-ae were brought to justice on charges of habitual propofol use. In the case of Park Si-yeon, she received propofol 185 times from February 2011 to December 2012, and Seung-yeon Lee also received propofol 111 times during the same period. Jang Mi In Ae ran for 95 episodes from February 2011 to September 2012. All of those who were indicted without detention were sentenced to eight months in prison and two years of probation.

Ga-in was fined 1 million won for taking propofol several times between July and August 2019, and Wheesung, who was highly dependent on drugs, was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of probation for taking propofol in December 2019. In addition, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong also became a problem due to his use of propofol.

Propofol is the most widely used phenolic intravenous anesthetic and is used to induce and maintain general anesthesia. A close example is when a small amount of propofol is administered during a sleep endoscopy during a health checkup. When performing a sleep endoscopy, you may experience falling asleep without realizing it and then waking up feeling refreshed as if you had a good night's sleep. This is why celebrities and overworked people fall for propofol. It is said that taking propofol can relieve fatigue and make you feel refreshed through a short period of sleep.

For this reason, cases of propofol misuse have become more serious, not only among celebrities but also among the general public, and in 2011, propofol was designated as a narcotic psychotropic drug under the 'Narcotics Control Act'.Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr