Money Spike and Ahn Ji-seok, the never-ending ‘entertainment drug scandal’

Ahn Ji-seok of the group House Rules was caught by the prosecution on drug charges. The controversy over drugs in the entertainment industry erupted again. Last year, Don Spike caused controversy by using Philopon. The drug controversy continues. The only thing that has changed is who commits drug crimes.

In December 2022, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Violent Crime Investigation Department booked 20 people, including Ahn Ji-seok, the grandson of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, the grandson of the founder of Hyosung Group, and the son of a former police chief, on charges of violating the Narcotics Management Act (marijuana), of which 17 10 people were indicted (10 detained, 7 without detention).

All of them are accused of selling, possessing or smoking marijuana between July 2021 and November 2022.

In addition, among them, Ahn Ji-seok was caught buying and smoking marijuana between March and October 2022, and growing marijuana in a home with children. The amount of marijuana he possessed at the time was 148g, and he was arrested and indicted on November 8, 2022.

The first trial court sentenced Ahn Ji-seok to two years in prison and three years of probation. However, both Ahn Ji-seok's sides have appealed.

Like Ahn Ji-seok, there is a person who is on trial on 'drug charges'. The main character is famous composer and businessman Don Spike. Don Spike is being tried on charges of using methamphetamine.

He is accused of purchasing 45 million won worth of Philopon nine times and administering Philopon 14 times.

Don Spike was in possession of 20 grams of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. It is said that the amount will be administered to about 600 people. For that reason, he is also accused of passing methamphetamine and ecstasy to others. The result of Don Spike's first trial was 3 years in prison and 5 years probation. However, the prosecution appealed, saying, “The sentence is low compared to the nature of the crime.”

There was a time in the past when it was called a ‘drug-free country.’ It's different now. Drug offenses are increasing every year. In the first half of last year alone (10,575 people), there was a 12.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the distribution process is becoming more complex and sophisticated. It is not enough to monitor this within the framework of the current law.

The desire to be touched even in spaces where children are present. Once you start, you can't quit, so the state called it a 'drug' and made it illegal. Experts say that drugs have already spread throughout society. Money Spike and Ahn Ji-seok's drug crimes are fragmentary examples that show the shadowy corners of society.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr