Yoo Ah-in Rejects Repeated Drug Use Rumors "Drugs at Club? Not True"

Agency Denies Club Drug Allegations and Zolpidem Use Rumors

The actor Yoo Ah-in (36, real name Eom Hong-sik), who is under police investigation for drug use allegations, expressed displeasure, stating that they would take legal action against reports without fact-checking amid ongoing drug use rumors.

On the 12th, Yoo Ah-in's agency UAA released an official statement saying, "We apologize for causing concern due to the unfortunate matter involving actor Yoo Ah-in," and added, "We want to correct the facts regarding the ongoing dissemination and spread of unverified news and the disclosure of undisclosed investigation details, which are supposed to remain confidential, for unknown reasons."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The agency referred to two recent news reports. First, regarding a report published on the 11th titled 'Yoo Ah-in, weekly visits to Itaewon clubs with models and broadcasters... suspected drug use,' they stated, "It was written solely based on the eyewitness account of informant A," and refuted, "The lounge clubs in question do not allow indoor smoking, and there are separate designated open smoking areas."

They continued, "We regret the unverified report based on someone's speculation and will proceed with legal action," they announced.

Another report claimed that Yoo Ah-in was under police investigation for being prescribed zolpidem for non-medical purposes.

The agency said, "It is true that Yoo Ah-in has been taking sleeping pills due to long-term sleep disorders," and added, "He has taken sleeping pills containing that ingredient in the past." They further explained, "For the past six months, he has been using sleeping pills with different ingredients and has never used them for purposes other than sleep. The truth will be revealed through the police investigation."

They added, "Details of the investigation, which are supposed to remain confidential, are continuously being disclosed to the media," and stated, "We will actively respond, including legal action, against fake news and unverified reports unrelated to the police investigation."

Yoo Ah-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

At the end of last year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety handed over to the police the investigation results that Yoo Ah-in habitually used propofol 73 times in 2021. The police began their investigation on February 5th with a body search of Yoo Ah-in upon his return through Incheon International Airport.

On the 27th of last month, Yoo Ah-in was questioned by the police on charges of using four types of drugs: propofol, marijuana, cocaine, and ketamine. The police interrogated him for about 12 hours regarding the circumstances and purpose of drug use. At the end of the investigation, they notified Yoo's side of an additional summons, but the second summons has not yet taken place.