Yoo Ah In Drug Scandal: 4 Individuals Connected to the Actor Charged for Violating Narcotics Control Act
Yoo Ah In's friends were booked by the police with charges in relation to the actor's drug controversy.
As the award-winning star continues to face a thorough investigation, four acquaintances of the "Seoul Vibe" actor have reportedly been charged for illegal drug use.
Yoo Ah In's Friends Booked With Criminal Charges
According to a media outlet, the individuals related to Yoo Ah In arrived in South Korea from the United States on February 5 and was joined by the actor.
Initially, the accomplices were simply witnesses at the start of the investigation, but it turned out that they were corroborating with Yoo Ah In's drug activities and suspected of being the actor's access to get illegal sustenance.
After the authorities conducted drug tests, some tested positive for marijuana.
In addition, police suspect that a person close to him helped Yoo Ah In get multiple prescriptions for zolpidem.
According to WebMD, zolpidem is used to treat insomnia for a short period of time. Since it is considered a sedative-hypnotic drug, it helps the brain produce a calming effect, slowing it down and allowing the person to sleep.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has strict rules about it. Hospitals only recommend prescribing a maximum of 28 tablets per person per month, based on 10mg. Misuse and abuse of this tyope of drug, as well as propofol, are subject to punishment.
To recall, media outlet previously mentioned back in April that more individuals who were connected to the actor would be investigated.
READ MORE: Yoo Ah In Reportedly Visits Itaewon Clubs Weekly to Use Drugs With Fellow Celebrities
It includes a YouTuber and a screenwriter who graduated from art college.
According to the outlet, police also conducted additional searches and seizures of their residences to gain more evidence regarding the case.
Yoo Ah In's Drug Controversy Recap
After his successful return to the small screen with the Netflix series "Seoul Vibe," Yoo Ah In made headlines for the wrong reasons after authorities revealed that the prolific actor was being investigated for illegal drug abuse. He was then barred from leaving the country as the investigation continued.
Yoo Ah In also underwent drug tests, which turned out to be positive for four types of substances: hemp or marijuana, propofol, cocaine, and ketamine.
Due to this, Yoo Ah In lost brand endorsements after companies cut ties with the actor. In addition, he also stepped down from his role in "Hellbound 2," and was replaced by Kim Sung Cheol, who would continue his role as cult leader Jung Jin Soo.
Following his first public appearance in April, after coming out of the 12-hour investigation, Yoo Ah In expressed his apologies to the media and fans as he bowed his head.
"I deeply regret that I have caused great disappointment to many people who have loved me while standing here because of an unfortunate incident," he said.
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