'Illegal Propofol Use' Ha Jung-woo, Fine of 30 Million Won Confirmed

Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Sung-hoon), who was fined 30 million won for illegal propofol use / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who was indicted for the illegal administration of the sedative 'Propofol,' has been sentenced to a fine of 30 million won.

According to the court on the 24th, Ha's side did not submit an appeal by the deadline of the 23rd, which was the appeal period for the first trial verdict. Criminal trials can be appealed within 7 days from the date of sentencing.

Previously, Ha was tried on charges of illegally administering the psychotropic drug Propofol at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, from January to September 2019 (violation of the Narcotics Control Act regarding psychotropic substances).

On the 14th, Judge Park Seol-ah of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 sentenced him to a fine of 30 million won, three times heavier than the 10 million won fine requested by the prosecution.

The court stated, "The defendant administered the psychotropic Propofol, which carries concerns of physical and mental dependence when abused, 19 times during cosmetic procedures that did not require sedation, and conspired with a doctor by providing a friend's personal information to falsely create medical records, showing the gravity of the crime is not light." It also pointed out, "Especially as a public figure loved by the public, he committed the crime in his position as an actor."

Initially, he was subject to a summary indictment with a fine of 10 million won. Summary indictment is a procedure where the prosecution requests the court to issue a summary order through written examination without referring the case to a formal trial when the charges are relatively minor. However, due to the court's decision, the case was eventually referred to a formal trial. If the court deems a summary order inappropriate, it can refer the case to trial for judgment through formal proceedings.

In court, Ha admitted the charges, saying, "I deeply regret and reflect on how careless and reckless I was," and added, "As a public actor who receives much attention, I should have lived cautiously and set an example, but I bow my head and apologize for causing concern and harm to my colleagues and family."