'War on Drugs' Two Months Later, Namyang Dairy Grandson Indicted... Han Dong-hoon Targets Third-Generation Chaebol (Comprehensive Report 2)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution is reportedly accelerating its investigation after detecting habitual drug use among the children of wealthy families, including third-generation heirs of conglomerates, drawing significant attention to the outcome. There are even predictions that a 'Third-Generation Conglomerate Drug Scandal' will erupt.

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon declared a "war on drugs" to the prosecution, and this major case, which was uncovered just two months later, is seen as a stepping stone for a large-scale crackdown on drug-related crimes by the prosecution, attracting considerable focus.

According to the legal community on the 2nd, the Violent Crimes Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Shin Junho) indicted six people, including Hong Mo (40), on charges of marijuana possession and habitual use (violation of the Narcotics Control Act) on the 15th of last month. Additionally, three others involved in distributing and selling marijuana were referred to trial without detention.

Hong is the son of Hong Woo-sik, president of Seoul Advertising Planning, and the grandson of the late Hong Doo-young, honorary chairman and founder of Namyang Dairy Products. According to the prosecution, Hong and others are accused not only of using marijuana but also of sharing their marijuana with acquaintances and international students and smoking it together. Among those who received and smoked marijuana from Hong were reportedly many third-generation heirs of major conglomerates such as Company H.

Entrance of Seocho-dong Central District Prosecutors' Office
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The prosecution explained that, based on clues obtained while investigating the case transferred from the police, they uncovered evidence of marijuana distribution and sales. As a result, they exposed organized marijuana distribution secretly conducted among wealthy families including third-generation heirs, overseas students, and celebrities; marijuana cultivation in households with underage children; and professional marijuana sales by siblings.

The prosecution aims to conclude the case by mid-month. The legal community expects the prosecution to expand its war on drug crimes, as the government has emphasized a strict response to drug offenses.

Last October, Minister Han instructed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to "safeguard the public from drug crimes and swiftly restore South Korea's firm status as a drug-free country," ordering extraordinary measures. He also urged, "Do your best with the determination of waging a war." Specific measures requested of the prosecution included ▲restoring drug investigation capabilities ▲strengthening international cooperation ▲blocking drug smuggling and domestic distribution through agencies such as the Customs Service, National Intelligence Service, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and Korea Communications Commission ▲and cooperating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on treatment and rehabilitation of drug offenders.

Syringe for injecting liquid marijuana and liquid marijuana cartridge seized from the suspect's residence [Photo by Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office]

Marijuana and cultivation equipment found in the suspect's residence, marijuana stems decorated in the living room where minor children are present, etc.
[Photo by Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office]

According to data released by the Ministry of Justice, the number of drug offenders in the first half of this year was 8,575, a 13.4% increase compared to 7,562 in the same period last year. The number of drug supply offenders (including smuggling, trafficking, and manufacturing) in the first half of this year was 2,437, up 32.8% from the same period last year. The Ministry of Justice and prosecution believe that drug crimes became rampant due to restrictions on the prosecution's direct investigative authority following amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act. Drug crime investigations by the prosecution became possible again after the government revised the presidential decree in August, expanding the scope of corruption and economic crimes subject to direct investigation by the prosecution.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office also stated, "Recently, drug crimes have spread regardless of age, class, gender, or region, leading to diminished awareness and guilt about drugs, with drug distribution being used as a means of making money." They added, "We will respond strictly to drug distribution crimes, including marijuana."