G-Dragon Denies Drug Charges, Attorney Fees Allegedly Reach 2 Billion Won?

Some Raise Concerns Over Hiring Former Constitutional Court Justice at Law Firm
Previously Accused of Marijuana Use in 2011

G-Dragon (35, real name Kwon Ji-yong), formerly of the group Big Bang, is scheduled to be summoned on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, drawing attention to how he will respond to the police investigation.

On the 29th, Yang Ji-min, a lawyer on YTN's 'News Wide,' said, "The fact that the investigative agency has registered the case suggests there is likely some significant evidence," adding, "Although he denies it, we need to consider what strategy this might be."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yang also stated, "For example, even if he had used drugs, if it was a long time ago, there is a possibility he could avoid prosecution even if subjected to a forced investigation," and "He might also claim that he unknowingly ingested or was administered the substance."

He further predicted, "Another possibility is that he could argue that he legally obtained the substance through a hospital prescription, so it was not illegal."

Earlier, Lee Jin-ho, who runs the YouTube channel 'Celebrity President Lee Jin-ho,' claimed during a live broadcast on the 27th that G-Dragon had hired a law firm that includes a former constitutional court judge as a lawyer.

Lee said, "I was surprised by G-Dragon's law firm. He is preparing very thoroughly for this situation." He explained G-Dragon's travel ban by saying, "It’s not because the charges have been confirmed, but because he needs to be investigated."

Lee predicted that G-Dragon's legal fees would be substantial. He said, "In such cases, a lot of money is paid. For a certain law firm, typical cases involving famous celebrities cost around 1 billion KRW," adding, "In special circumstances or when the legal situation is very unfavorable, the fees can be much higher." He continued, "If they also use former high-ranking officials, the cost can be very high, possibly in the range of 1 to 2 billion KRW."

Previously, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency registered G-Dragon without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

In response, G-Dragon, through his legal representative, stated, "I have not used drugs. Also, I am not related to the recent news reports regarding violations of the Narcotics Control Act," and added, "I will actively cooperate with the investigative authorities and respond sincerely."

Meanwhile, G-Dragon had smoked marijuana in Japan in May 2011. At that time, the prosecution gave him a suspended indictment considering that he was a first-time offender and the amount detected was below the threshold for drug offender processing standards.

Later, G-Dragon appeared on SBS's 'Healing Camp' and expressed his frustration, saying the problem was that he had accepted a cigarette from a stranger at a party during a tour and smoked it unknowingly.