Singer BoA summoned for prosecution investigation on zolpidem smuggling charges

Investigation of Suspect Status... Boa's Side Explains "Not Illegal Import, Just a Mistake Due to Ignorance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] Singer BoA (real name Kwon Bo-ah) was investigated by prosecutors on suspicion of secretly importing psychotropic drugs such as zolpidem from overseas.

According to legal circles on the 17th, the Violent Crime Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Won Ji-ae) summoned BoA as a suspect for questioning the day before.

It is reported that BoA was caught trying to import psychotropic drugs such as zolpidem, prescribed overseas, under the name of a domestic employee through an employee of her agency's Japan branch.

SM Entertainment released a statement that day, saying, "It was not an illegal import but a mistake due to ignorance," and explained, "The employee received the medication through normal procedures at a local hospital, but they did not realize that even if it was legally prescribed overseas, it could cause issues in Korea."

They added, "They only heard from the local post office that attaching an ingredient label would allow overseas shipping of the medication, and made the mistake of sending the drugs," and "The employee has been actively cooperating with the investigation authorities and has been questioned about this matter, and BoA also sincerely participated in the investigation."

The agency stated that BoA, who was taking sleeping pills recently prescribed by a doctor, experienced severe side effects and tried to have medication previously prescribed in Japan delivered through the employee.

The prosecutors, after investigating BoA and the agency employee, plan to decide whether to prosecute based on the circumstances of the crime and the presence of intent.