Yoo Ah In faces 4-year prison sentence and fines for drug charges

Actor Yoo Ah-In (real name Uhm Hong-Sik, 37) is facing a 4-year prison sentence for drug-related charges.

On the 24th, the Criminal Agreement Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, held the final trial for Yoo Ah-In and his acquaintance, C, who were indicted without detention on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic drugs), instigation of evidence destruction, violation of the Medical Service Act, and fraud.

The prosecution requested the court to sentence Yoo Ah-In to 4 years in prison, a fine of 2 million won, and a forfeiture of 1.54 million won. Yoo Ah-In’s lawyer argued for leniency, stating, “He has no previous similar offenses. He is deeply reflecting and bitterly regretting his past actions. Yoo Ah-In has reflected on his dependence on sleep anesthetics and sleeping pills after this incident. He firmly promises never to repeat the same mistakes. We ask for leniency so he can return to society and fulfill his role.”

Yoo Ah-In also expressed remorse, saying, “I deeply reflect on my wrongdoings related to this incident and sincerely apologize. This incident has given me time to reflect on my entire life. I am determined to live as a more mature and responsible person. Regardless of the outcome, I promise to live as someone who can contribute more to society in the future.”

Yoo Ah-In was brought to trial on charges of habitually using multiple drugs, including propofol, midazolam, and ketamine, 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022. He is also charged with illegally obtaining sleeping pills under another person’s name from May 2021 to August 2022. Additionally, he is accused of forcing others to smoke marijuana during a trip to the United States with acquaintances in January last year after being exposed by a fellow traveler.

In previous trials, Yoo Ah-In admitted to some marijuana use but denied charges of instigating marijuana smoking and evidence destruction. His lawyer argued, “Yoo Ah-In did not coerce anyone (including individual A who was part of the group). They were in a situation where they could make their own choices.”

Yoo Ah-In’s sentencing will be held on September 3.