Ha Jung-woo's Side: "Propofol Used for Facial Scar Treatment... Using Brother's Name Was Doctor's Request" Denies Illegal Use [Full Text]

Actor Ha Jung-woo is posing at the press screening and press conference for the movie 'Closet' held on the afternoon of the 29th of last month at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Actor Ha Jung-woo has been embroiled in allegations of habitual propofol use. In response, Ha Jung-woo's agency, Workhouse Company, issued an official statement denying the allegations.

On the 18th, the agency stated, "Ha Jung-woo had long been concerned about scars on his face. In January 2019, he was introduced to the director of a hospital famous for laser scar treatment, who expressed a strong willingness to help treat Ha Jung-woo's skin scars."

They continued, "From around January to September 2019, he underwent approximately 10 sessions of intensive laser procedures. All sedation was administered under the director's judgment, and there was absolutely no drug abuse," emphasizing this point.

They added, "After seeing some effect from the treatment, he completed his visits in the fall of that year."

Regarding the claim that treatment was received under the name of his younger brother, who is also an actor, the agency explained, "From the first visit, the director emphasized privacy, asking him to wear a mask and hat. During this process, the director requested information such as the names of his younger brother, who is the agency representative, and his manager. We thought this was simply for privacy protection and provided the information without suspicion, as it was a doctor's request."

They continued, "Although the director requested this, we deeply regret carelessly providing another person's personal information. We sincerely apologize to the fans for any misunderstandings that have arisen."

The agency also stated, "There are several months' worth of text message records exchanged with the director, including messages confirming the process of providing information at the director's request. These records clearly verify the fact and dates of hospital visits for treatment."

The agency added, "If investigative authorities request fact verification, we plan to cooperate actively. Above all, we believed there was nothing to hide and hoped the controversy would naturally subside, but as unfounded speculation continues, we are making this statement."

Finally, they said, "We want to apologize for causing concern to the fans and related parties who have trusted and supported actor Ha Jung-woo."

Below is the full official statement from Ha Jung-woo's side:

Ha Jung-woo had long been concerned about scars on his face. In January 2019, he was introduced to the director of a hospital famous for laser scar treatment, who actively expressed a desire to help treat Ha Jung-woo's skin scars.

The treatment period was from around January to September 2019, during which he underwent approximately 10 sessions of intensive laser procedures.

During treatment, sedation was administered only under the director's judgment, and there was absolutely no drug abuse.

After seeing some effect from the treatment, Ha Jung-woo completed his visits in the fall of that year.

Next, we provide an explanation regarding the claim that treatment was received under the name of his younger brother, who is also an actor.

From the first visit, the director emphasized privacy, asking him to wear a mask and hat.

During this process, the director requested information such as the names of his younger brother, who is the agency representative, and his manager.

We thought this was simply for privacy protection and provided the information without suspicion, as it was a doctor's request.

We do not know how the hospital actually used this information, but Ha Jung-woo had no reason to hide the fact of treatment.

Although the director requested this, we deeply regret carelessly providing another person's personal information and sincerely apologize to the fans for any misunderstandings that have arisen.

Fortunately, there are several months' worth of text message records exchanged with the director during the process of scheduling hospital visits and observing treatment progress, including messages confirming the provision of information at the director's request.

These records clearly verify the fact and dates of hospital visits for treatment.

Please refrain from exaggerated interpretations or reporting unconfirmed facts regarding this matter.

The agency plans to cooperate actively if investigative authorities request fact verification.

As a public artist, having one's name in the media over a controversial issue is never helpful.

Above all, we believed there was nothing to hide and hoped the controversy would naturally subside.

However, as unfounded speculation continues, we are making this statement.

We want to apologize for causing concern to the fans and related parties who have trusted and supported actor Ha Jung-woo.

Thank you.