Prosecutors Appeal First Trial Verdict of Don Spike on Drug Use Charges

Don Spike Sentenced to Suspended Prison Term in First Trial

Famous composer and businessman Don Spike (real name Kim Min-su), who is accused of drug use, is appearing at the Seoul Northern District Court in Dobong-gu, Seoul, in September last year to undergo a pre-arrest detention hearing. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The prosecution has decided to appeal the first trial verdict of famous composer and entrepreneur Don Spike (45, real name Kim Min-su), who was tried on charges of drug use and possession.

On the 11th, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office announced that it would file an appeal against Kim, who was sentenced to 3 years in prison with a 5-year probation in the first trial. Previously, the prosecution had demanded a 5-year prison sentence for Kim.

The prosecution explained, "Considering the seriousness of drug crimes, which cause significant social harm," and added, "The defendant committed a repeat offense despite having two prior convictions for similar drug crimes." Furthermore, they stated, "Given the substantial amount of methamphetamine involved, the numerous offenses, and the fact that the defendant had an accomplice receive the drugs on his behalf to conceal the crime, we judged that a harsher sentence is necessary."

Kim, who is charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (psychotropic drugs) and other offenses, was sentenced to 3 years in prison with a 5-year probation at the sentencing trial held on the 9th at the Seoul Northern District Court. The court explained the sentencing by stating, "The defendant has no criminal record for over 10 years," and "He has actively cooperated with the investigation and fully admitted and reflected on the facts of the crime."

Kim is accused of purchasing drugs worth approximately 45 million won over nine occasions since the end of 2021 and using drugs on 14 occasions. The police detected Kim's criminal activities during the investigation of another drug suspect and launched an investigation. Kim was arrested last September at a hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.