In late night time proceedings on Wednesday, a Seoul courtroom dismissed police requests for the formal arrest of distinguished Korean actor Yoo Ah-in on drug fees.
The star of “Burning,” “The Throne” and Netflix sequence “Hellbound,” appeared on the Seoul Central District Court on fees that he used 5 totally different medication.
Local media photographs confirmed that Yoo’s palms have been tied with what gave the impression to be a blue material or wire earlier than and through his 90-minute daytime courtroom look. Footage additionally confirmed that he was hit by a bottle of espresso thrown by a disgruntled fan, earlier than Yoo was led away, unharmed, by bodyguards.
Recreational drug use is prohibited in South Korea and is closely stigmatized.
Before coming into the courtroom Yoo advised media: “I will cooperate faithfully in the remaining processes and reveal all that I can. I regret [using drugs]. I don’t think it is a decision I can make [on whether he should be arrested]. I respect the court’s decision and am thankful.”
The Yonhap information company reported that Yoo was to be detained on the Mapo Police Station till the courtroom delivered its choice on the arrest warrant. The announcement got here at 11.30 p.m.
The courtroom mentioned that Yoo (actual title Uhm Hong-sik) had admitted to the vast majority of fees in opposition to him and that many of the proof had already been collected. Therefore there was no want for a warrant.
“Yoo regrets smoking marijuana, and the charge of using cocaine is still under dispute,” the courtroom mentioned, in response to a translation by the JoongAng Daily. “It is difficult to conclude that there are fears of [Yoo] fleeing or destroying evidence.”
Yoo has admitted to the leisure use of marijuana and claimed that use of Propofol, ketamine and Zolpidem, which may all be perceived as sleep aids, have been for medical causes.
He has denied use of cocaine and allegations that he destroyed proof.
Yoo’s dramatic downfall, whether or not non permanent or long-term, additionally represents important disruption to the movie, TV and streaming industries the place the actor has been extremely in demand. Netflix film “The Match,” through which he confronted off in opposition to Lee Byung-hun, is accomplished however now not has a launch date. Yoo can also be on board Netflix sequence “Goodbye Earth,” which was beforehand scheduled for add within the fourth quarter of this yr. And the standing of a second season of “Hellbound” can also be presently unclear. Variety has reached out to the streamer for remark.
Yoo can also be the star of theatrical film “Hi.5,” through which 5 atypical folks develop superpowers following organ transplants. Filming underneath main director Kang Hyoung-chul (“Sunny”) wrapped in November 2021 and the finished movie was beforehand scheduled for a June 2023 launch.
Yoo turned an individual of curiosity in early February after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety mentioned that he had bought suspicious portions of Propofol in a sequence of purchases beginning in 2021. Propofol is a powerful sedative that will also be used as an anaesthetic.
The authorities have seemed into a number of medical doctors’ places of work and clinics in Seoul which will have administered the drug.
In early February, hair and urine exams performed by the National Forensic Service appeared to confirmed Yoo’s Propofol use and moreover confirmed the presence of Marijuana, leisure use of which is prohibited in Korea. Further exams are reported to have revealed traces of cocaine and Ketamine.
In early March, police raided Yoo’s dwelling in Itaewon, central Seoul, and one other location in Hannam-dong.
The allegations in opposition to Yoo have additional dented the clear and healthful picture that the Korean leisure scene want to painting. It has been rocked by previous intercourse abuse scandals and the premature deaths of a number of younger stars.