Prosecutors seek 4-year prison term for South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in on drug charges

South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in. Photo from Yoo’s Instagram

The Korea Times reported that the demand was made on Wednesday during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, with the final ruling scheduled for Sep. 3.

Yoo is facing serious allegations of illegally using propofol, a medical anesthetic, under the guise of cosmetic procedures on 181 occasions between Sep. 2020 and March 2022. The charges extend to the abuse of three other medical anesthetic drugs, including midazolam and ketamine.

Additionally, Yoo is accused of purchasing approximately 1,100 sleeping pills using prescriptions under other people’s names and smoking marijuana while in the U.S.

In his closing statement at court, Yoo expressed deep remorse for his actions.

“Whatever the ruling result may be, I will repay those who took care of me by becoming much healthier and more honest and by living my life as someone who can contribute to society,” he said.

As per The Straits Times, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s drug investigation unit called in Yoo in February last year to question him over the use of propofol for non-medical purposes, a violation of the Narcotics Control Act in South Korea.

Yoo’s urine sample then came back positive for cannabis, classified as an illegal drug in the country.

Born Uhm Hong-sick, the 38-year-old actor made his debut in a TV commercial in 2003. He gained public popularity after starring in the same year’s TV series “Sharp.”

He is the recipient of various accolades including Asian Film Awards, Fantasia International Film Festival’s Cheval Noir award, two Blue Dragon Film Awards, and two Baeksang Arts Awards.