Actor Yoo Ah-in (38, real name Um Hong-sik) has been sentenced to 4 years in prison in the second trial for habitual drug use.
On the 24th, during the sentencing hearing for the violation of the Narcotics Control Act at the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 5 (Presiding Judge Kwon Soon-hyung, Ahn Seung-hoon, Shim Seung-woo), the prosecution requested a 4-year prison sentence, the same as in the first trial, stating, "We ask that all charges be recognized as guilty."
Wearing a blue prison uniform, Yoo Ah-in, during his final statement, said, "I still find it difficult to bear the shame and guilt," and tearfully pleaded for leniency, saying, "I appreciate the opportunity for reflection that I have never had before, and I will do my utmost for correction and recovery." His remarks shook the atmosphere of silence that had prevailed throughout the trial, drawing attention in the courtroom.
Yoo Ah-in's lawyer also requested leniency. The lawyer explained, "Yoo Ah-in has been under extreme stress due to the burden of meeting public expectations and the compulsion to maintain popularity," adding, "He has suffered from depression and sleep disorders, but due to the nature of his profession as an actor, he has not been able to receive proper treatment. There were limits to overcoming this with personal will alone," seeking the court's understanding.
In the first trial, Yoo Ah-in was sentenced to 1 year in prison and fined 2 million won, and was taken into custody. Additionally, the first trial ruling included a confiscation order of about 1.5 million won and a mandate to complete 80 hours of drug treatment programs. However, the prosecution appealed, claiming the sentence was too lenient, and Yoo Ah-in's side also contested the severity of the sentence.
Yoo Ah-in was indicted for habitual use of 9,635.7 ml of medical propofol on 181 occasions from 2020 to 2022, and for illegally obtaining sleeping pills under another person's name. He is also facing charges for smoking marijuana in the U.S. earlier this year and teaching others to do so. The first trial found him guilty of habitual use of medical narcotics and marijuana smoking, but acquitted him of charges related to teaching marijuana smoking and evidence destruction due to lack of evidence.
The court has scheduled the final ruling for February 18 of next year. Meanwhile, public reactions to Yoo Ah-in's charges remain mixed. Some voices call for observing his willingness to reflect and recover, while others continue to argue for severe punishment.
Attention is focused on how the court's final judgment will affect Yoo Ah-in's future.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
