Robert Harley, Mother Passed Away... "US Government Denied Visa, Could Not Attend Funeral"

Broadcaster Ha Il (American name Robert Harley) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Broadcaster Robert Harley revealed that he was unable to attend his mother's funeral because the U.S. government denied his visa issuance due to his past methamphetamine use.

On the 2nd, Robert Harley posted on his social media, "My beloved mother passed away on Wednesday," adding, "The U.S. government did not grant me a visa, so I cannot attend the funeral. My heart is very broken."

Last March, he purchased methamphetamine online and used it together with Mr. A, and also used it once more at his home in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, leading to charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Accordingly, on August last year, Judge Seungwon Lee of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 1 sentenced Robert Harley to one year in prison with a two-year probation. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of narcotics treatment lectures, confiscation of evidence, and a fine of 700,000 KRW.

Robert Harley's lawyer appealed, saying, "Due to this offense, his visa was canceled in the U.S., and he could neither meet nor stay by his critically ill mother’s side," adding, "He is remorseful and wishes to become a witness who can raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and the possibilities of treatment to prevent others from suffering the same fate. We ask for leniency within the bounds of the law."

Despite Robert Harley's appeal, the U.S. government canceled his visa.

The obituary of Robert Harley's mother, Wanda Marlin Taylor Harley, was announced on the 28th of last month. The funeral will be held at the Evergreen Family Cemetery in Mapleton, Utah, USA, at 11 a.m. on the 7th.