Lee Sun-kyun, Marijuana Found at Entertainment Venue Manager's Home
Withdraws from Upcoming 'No Way Out'
Actor Lee Seon-gyun (48), who is accused of drug use, was reported by a source to have frequently visited entertainment establishments.
On the 23rd, JTBC reported an interview with a person associated with an entertainment venue known as the place where Lee Seon-gyun used drugs.
The source said, "(Lee Seon-gyun) did come often." The source also claimed that VIPs come secretly and that other allegations might arise. He added, "Usually, not just anyone comes. I don't know what happens in the rooms, but something bigger could break out."
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Division formally booked Lee Seon-gyun on the 24th on charges related to marijuana and other drugs under the Narcotics Control Act. With this, Lee Seon-gyun's status changed from a person under preliminary investigation to a suspect subject to formal investigation.
The police also arrested A (29), the manager of a Gangnam entertainment establishment in Seoul, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), and booked B, a woman in her 20s who worked at the same venue, without detention.
Five others, excluding Lee, A, and B, are also under suspicion. Among them are C, a third-generation chaebol family member, and D, an aspiring singer. The specifics of their drug use allegations have not yet been revealed.
The entertainment establishment identified as the location where Lee Seon-gyun allegedly used drugs. [Photo by JTBC]
Earlier, Lee Seon-gyun has been accused of repeatedly using marijuana and other drugs at A's residence in Seoul since January this year. The police are investigating on the premise that Lee used not only marijuana but also various other types of drugs.
Meanwhile, Lee Seon-gyun's side claimed that A threatened him and extorted several hundred million won related to the drug case, filing a complaint against A for blackmail.
A is reported to have had about ten phone calls with Lee Seon-gyun this year, and the amount extorted is said to be 350 million won.
However, Lee Seon-gyun's lawyer stated, "We have submitted complaints naming two suspects for now, but we do not know if it is one or two people," and added, "The amount is several hundred million won, but no specific amount was mentioned."
The Incheon District Prosecutors' Office Special Narcotics Crime Investigation Team (Chief Prosecutor Lee Young-chang) transferred the blackmail case filed by Lee against A to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency on the same day.
Regarding this, a prosecution official explained, "The police investigating the related (drug) case judged it better to investigate together, so the case was transferred."
Lee Seon-gyun's agency, Hodoo&U Entertainment, stated in an official statement released on the 20th, "Our company is currently verifying the exact facts regarding the allegations against actor Lee Seon-gyun. We intend to sincerely cooperate with any investigations that may proceed," but has not released any further statements since Lee was booked as a suspect.
Lee Seon-gyun withdrew from the drama "No Way Out," in which he was scheduled to appear, due to this incident.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
