Actor Yoo Ah In (38, real name Uhm Hong Sik), who was indicted on charges of habitual abuse of propofol and other narcotics, has been sentenced to prison and immediately taken into custody following the sentencing.
On September 3, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Yoo, who was indicted on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, to one year in prison and a fine of 2 million won. Additionally, he was ordered to complete an 80-hour drug rehabilitation program and pay a forfeiture of approximately 1.54 million won.
After being given the prison sentence, Yoo was also immediately taken into custody in court. The court stated, "We are immediately taking Yoo into custody because we believe he may flee now that he has been sentenced to imprisonment."
They said, "The nature of the crime is not good, considering the duration of the offense, the number of times it occurred, the method, and the amount [of substances] involved, and there is considerable room for criticism. In addition to being dependent on sedatives and sleeping pills, the individual also smoked marijuana, showing a lack of awareness regarding the dangers of drugs and a disregard for related regulations," explaining the reasons for the sentencing.
However, the court added, "It is noteworthy that Yoo has suffered from sleep disorders and depression for a long time, and it seems that his habitual use and purchase of medical narcotics were primarily motivated by the pain of being unable to sleep."
Upon hearing the sentence of immediate detention, Yoo stated, "I apologize for causing concern and worry to the public."
Yoo's acquaintance, Mr. Choi, who was also put on trial on charges of smoking marijuana, was sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation.
Yoo Ah In was indicted for habitual propofol use 181 times at hospitals in Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022, and for illegally obtaining sleeping pills in another person's name from May 2021 to August 2022. He also faces charges of smoking marijuana in the United States and instructing others to do so.