Prosecutors Demand 7-Year Prison Sentence for Drug Club 'Kkanbu' President

Prosecution: "Number of Drug Transactions Not Insignificant"
Yeom: "I Have Lost Everything... I Reflect Deeply"

The prosecution has demanded a 7-year prison sentence for the president of a united club, composed of students from prestigious universities in the Seoul metropolitan area, who was tried on charges of purchasing and using drugs.

Yonhap News

The Criminal Division 14 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Jang Seong-hoon) held a sentencing hearing on the afternoon of the 27th for Yeom Mo (31), who is accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances, marijuana) and other charges. On this day, the prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence for Yeom and also asked the court to order the payment of the fines listed in the opinion statement.

The prosecution stated, "Since all club members are adults who made their own decisions to use and trade drugs, it is unfair to place sole responsibility on Yeom," but criticized, "Even today, he mentioned Steve Jobs, claiming that using drugs gave him good inspiration and business opportunities. The number of times he used and traded drugs is not insignificant, and the crimes were committed during a probation period." They added, "There is no excuse for drug use abroad, such as taking drugs from Korea to Thailand and using them there."

Yeom's defense attorney acknowledged the charges related to drugs and sex crimes but raised procedural issues by stating, "The prosecutor cannot initiate an investigation into drug crimes." In his final statement, Yeom tearfully said, "I lost everything because of my foolishness," and "I want to ask for forgiveness from my parents and family who loved me."

Meanwhile, the prosecution also demanded a 2-year prison sentence for club member Lee Mo (25), who was indicted together, and requested an order for the payment of fines listed in the opinion statement. The prosecution pointed out, "Although the defendant appears to have used drugs under Yeom's influence, the decision to use and trade drugs was made independently as an adult, so he must be held responsible."

The sentencing for Yeom and Lee is scheduled to take place at 2:10 p.m. on January 8 of next year.