Yoo Ah-in, Wearing a Suit, Mentions Father's Passing, Saying "Already Received a Big Punishment"

"Must Live with Guilt for Life" Plea for Leniency

Actor Yoo Ah-in (38, real name Eom Hong-sik), accused of drug use, appeared in court wearing a prison uniform. He mentioned the recent loss of his father during the trial and pleaded for leniency.

On the 19th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 5 (Chief Judge Kwon Soon-hyung) held the second appeal hearing for Yoo Ah-in, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances). Yoo Ah-in appeared in court with a closely cropped haircut and wearing a teal prison uniform.

Yoo Ah-in's defense argued against the prosecution's claim that he used his wealth to take drugs overseas beyond the reach of investigations, stating, "The marijuana smoking was merely out of curiosity, influenced by the atmosphere during travel," and "He did not use his wealth to travel abroad for drug use."

The appearance of Yoo Ah-in at the first trial sentencing date. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding allegations of illegally receiving propofol by deceiving doctors, the defense stated, "Due to the nature of his profession as an actor, he regularly received cosmetic procedures about once or twice a month," and "In that process, he inevitably received propofol. Some doctors were aware that the defendant had already been administered propofol at other hospitals," rebutting the claims.

On the accusation that he used his social influence to instruct evidence destruction, the defense emphasized, "The prosecutor claims the defendant attempted to silence others using his social influence, but the original trial court acquitted him," arguing that the prosecution is making unreasonable claims.

Additionally, Yoo Ah-in's side submitted a statement regarding sentencing, saying, "Having failed to properly take care of himself in order to bring joy to the public, he has suffered significant damage to his life as an actor," and "He must live with the harsh scrutiny of the public going forward, and the consequences he faces due to his wrong choices accompanied by depression are far greater than those faced by ordinary people. We ask that this be taken into consideration."

It was previously reported that Yoo Ah-in lost his father in August. His defense stated, "He will live with the guilt that his father passed away because of his crimes. There is no greater punishment than this," and pleaded for leniency, noting, "He is a first-time offender with no prior convictions of the same kind and has contributed to society and vulnerable groups through sharing."

Yoo Ah-in was indicted in January last year on charges of repeatedly abusing medical propofol under the pretense of sedation for cosmetic procedures at hospitals around Seoul 181 times from September 2020 to March 2022. He is also accused of illegally obtaining over 1,100 sleeping pills under other people's names 44 times from May 2021 to August last year, and in January this year, of smoking marijuana in the U.S. with four others including Choi, as well as instructing others to do so.

In the first trial, the court found him guilty of habitual abuse of medical narcotics, habitual purchase under others' names, and marijuana smoking. However, it acquitted him of instructing marijuana smoking and instructing evidence destruction due to lack of evidence.

Yoo Ah-in's next hearing is scheduled for the morning of the 28th.