Yoo Ah In’s Investigation Reveals Actor Has Been Using Propofol Since 2021
As the probe continues regarding Yoo Ah In's drug controversy, authorities found shocking updates about his use of propofol.
The award-winning actor has been making headlines but this time, his name is being dragged into the issue of illegal substance use. The news came after TV Chosun's News9 said that a top male celebrity is under investigation over the alleged use of propofol.
Propofol is a sedative and anesthetic and is used to help a patient relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures. Moreover, it is illegal in South Korea to use it in a non-medical procedure.
Yoo Ah In Drug Update: Police Discover Actor's Propofol Usage Since 2021
Police found out that Yoo Ah In has been using the substance for years.
According to a media outlet, DongA Ilbo, the actor has been under investigation since November 2022 and discovered the "Seoul Vibe" star's history of propofol prescriptions at various hospitals in 2021.
It was after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) became suspicious and requested the police to investigate the top star due to his habitual use of the said substance, noting that his prescription purchases were "too frequent."
READ MORE: Yoo Ah In's Name Gets Dragged Amid Itaewon Tragedy - Here's Why
Besides Yoo Ah In, the ministry has requested the police to investigate 51 individuals including the actor due to suspicion of violating the narcotics act.
In 2022, authorities expanded their probe by verifying and looking into hospitals around Gangnam-gu and Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Following the news about Yoo Ah In's drug use, his agency UAA issued a statement confirming that the "Chicago Typewriter" star "underwent police investigation pertaining to propofol" and is "actively cooperating with all investigations" related to the matter.
From Investigation to Travel Ban, Will Yoo Ah In's Upcoming Drama Be Affected by the Investigation?
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has imposed a travel ban on the actor as he is currently undergoing an investigation.
According to a report, the illegal use of propofol will serve him a fine of up to 100 million KRW or around 79,000 USD, and can also result in up to 10 years in prison.
Besides Yoo Ah In, several stars and public figures were also involved in propofol use. "Narco-Saints" star Ha Jung Woo, Samsung Chairman Lee Jae Yong, and more have been fined for illegal propofol usage.
As for Yoo Ah In's dramas, production companies of his upcoming projects have reportedly started a countermeasure meeting and are keeping a close eye on the investigation's results.
With this, there have been doubts that the actor's controversy is likely to affect the release of his soon-to-be-released films and series.
After "Hellbound," he is set to return to the small screen for the web novel-based sci-fi thriller series "Goodbye Earth" with Ahn Eun Jin, Kim Yoon Hye, and Jeon Sung Woo.
As for Yoo Ah In's movies, he will headline the historical drama film "Jeon, Ran" and "The Match" with Lee Byung Hoon and Moon Jung Hee.
