China is also in an uproar over Yoo Ah-in's propofol allegations

China is also in an uproar as actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Um Hong-sik, 36) is suspected of using propofol.

As of the 9th, 'Yoo Ah-in's suspicion of drug use' is ranked No. 1 in real-time search terms on Chinese portal site Baidu. Chinese entertainment media outlets are also reporting on Yoo Ah-in's allegations of propofol use.

Yoo Ah-in has been working as an advertising model for the fashion brand Soksa (速寫 CROQUIS) of Chinese fashion brand JNBY Group from 2021 to present. Since China imposes strict punishments on drug-related crimes, it is predicted that if Yoo Ah-in's propofol charges are found to be true, there is a high possibility that his modeling contract will be terminated.

Meanwhile, 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 the problematic aspects."

According to TV Chosun's 'News 9' on this day, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency summoned Yoo Ah-in for questioning on charges 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 takes about two weeks to receive the results of the evaluation, and a ban on leaving the country was also imposed on Yoo Ah-in during this period.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr